In the database of the Chinese Ministry of Industry, a new model of the smart brand has surfaced, which, recall, has recently experienced a complete rebirth and is now based in China under the wing of the Geely holding.
Smart appeared on the European market in the mid-90s of the last century as a subsidiary brand of Mercedes-Benz (then it was called Daimler-Benz), but its cars did not achieve noticeable commercial success and in 2019 smart was fused to China.Β Today, the smart brand exists as part of a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely called smart Automobile.Β All new smart models are fully electric, they are developed and manufactured by Geely, and Mercedes-Benz oversees the design, because smart has remained in the European market and hopes for a new, better life.
The first smart model of the new era wasΒ the #1 crossoverΒ , it was completely declassified in April of this year, the presentation of theΒ sports version of BrabusΒ took place in August , smart #1 entered the Chinese market in September, the start of sales in Europe is scheduled for the first quarter of next year, so that it is too early to judge success/failure, but it is already possible to evaluate the next model, which for some reason received index #3, not #2.
Smart #3, like the younger smart #1, is based on the SEA modular platform developed by Geely, which, in terms of the number of models created on it, seems to have surpassed the Volkswagen MEB.Β Smart #3 is longer, wider and lower than smart #1, the overall length of the βthreeβ is 4400 mm, width is 1844 mm, height is 1556 mm, wheelbase is 2785 mm.Β By modern standards, this is a full-fledged C-class, before such large smart models have never been.Β It is difficult to unequivocally determine the smart #3 body type: either a cross-hatchback (all versions have a plastic body kit around the lower perimeter of the body), or a coupe-shaped crossover.Β Regular wheels – 19- or 20-inch.Β Curb weight – 1740-1890 kg, depending on the modification, gross weight – 2305 kg!Β Smart models have never been so heavy either.
For the βtroikaβ the same power plants are declared as for the crossover # 1: in the basic rear-wheel drive version, a single electric motor produces a maximum of 200 kW (272 hp), the all-wheel drive twin-engine Brabus version has a total power of 315 kW (428 hp). ).Β There are no other technical specifications yet.
The exterior design of smart #3 can be judged from the photographs: it seems to be largely the same as smart #1, but other proportions, a curved window sill line and side windows in the stern will not confuse the “troika” and “one”.Β The Brabus version has its own, but not at all aggressive aerodynamic body kit and a ventilation slot between the headlights.
The date of the official premiere of smart # 3 has not yet been named, but since the car appeared in the database of the Chinese Ministry of Industry, it means that it will not be long to wait.Β The main question is where did smart #2 go?Β Has smart really decided to break the usual order and will give its numbered news out of order?
