Smart locks in prices for Australia
This well-known marque has confirmed details for a revival in Australia, giving motorists a fresh option in coming weeks.
Smart’s Australian return will offer drivers a choice of six electric cars priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs.
The brand has outlined its model range ahead of a local return in September.
The line-up opens with the wagon-shaped Smart #1 Pro+ from $54,900 plus on-road costs (about $60,000 drive-away), delivering features such as LED headlights, advanced driver aids and a panoramic sunroof.
Customers who want more can pick the Smart #1, which adds leather seats, a Beats stereo and a heat pump that warms the cabin more efficiently for $58,900 plus on-roads.
Both models reach 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, thanks to a 200kW and 343Nm electric motor linked to a battery offering more than 400 kilometres of range.
A high-performance Brabus version adds a second motor to deliver punchy 315kW and 543Nm peaks, enough to hit 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
A sporty body kit and microfibre suede seats help justify its price premium – $67,900 plus on-road costs.
Style conscious customers might pick the swoopy Smart #3, which shapes up as a sportier option.
It has the same hardware as the #1, but benefits from slipperier bodywork that returns superior performance.
Smart says the standard #3 priced from $57,900 plus on-road costs rips to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds, while the faster Brabus model needs 3.7 seconds to hit the same mark for $70,900 plus on roads.
Smart’s return is somewhat unconventional.
Most cars in Australia are imported by local subsidiaries of giant companies such as Toyota, Ford or Volkswagen.
But Smart is effectively a side hustle for a successful dealer group, LSH Auto, which will sell Smart cars in its Mercedes showrooms – even though Mercedes Australia has nothing to do with the arrangement.
John Good, managing director of LSH Auto in Australia, said Smart would “quickly become a very strong brand in this market”.
“The return of the Smart brand with such exciting new premium EV vehicles, highlighting German design and industry leading EV technology, is a very exciting time for our group.
“We are certain that the extensive and highly appealing Smart range will build a unique position in the Australian market for those wishing to add electric mobility to their lifestyle.”
The Chinese-built machines share elements with Volvo’s EX30 and new models from fresh brand Zeekr.
They represent a new breed of Chinese EVs that are putting enormous pressure on established brands such as VW, which is late to market with electric cars that do not have confirmed prices in Australia.
Data compiled by Australian vehicle price tracking service The Beep shows the EV market has been particularly volatile this year, with price swings of up to $25,000.
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