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The smart #1: New King Of The Malaysian Roads?

In July, we had the chance to test two of the three smart #1 variants, primarily to assess their top speed on an open track. However, we didn’t have the opportunity to evaluate the ADAS system or conduct real-world driving tests, limiting our insights into the battery electric subcompact crossover SUV.

Recently, thanks to smart Malaysia, we got behind the wheel again, focusing on testing the ADAS and experiencing real-world driving.

Let’s begin by introducing the three available variants in the Malaysian market: Pro, Premium, and Brabus. The Pro variant serves as the entry-level option, while both Pro and Premium variants offer almost identical ADAS features, including:

L2+ ADAS Category/Level
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) – City/Urban
Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) – Pedestrian/Cyclist
Front Collision Mitigation Support (FCMS)
Rear Collision Mitigation Support (RCMS)
Emergency Lane Keep Assist (ELKA)
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Lane Change Assist (LA) Automated
Lane Change Assist (ALCA)
Evasive Maneuver Assist (EMA)
Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Door Opening Warning (DOW)
Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF)
Driver Performance Monitoring (DPM)
Highway Assist (HWA)
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
360 Visual Park Assist

The key difference lies in the Pro variant’s Automatic High Beam, while the Premium variant offers a higher-end Adaptive High Beam, Full Autonomous Parking (FAP), Parking Emergency Brake (PEB), and Autonomous Parking Assist.

The Pro variant, with a smaller 49kWh LFP battery, provides a WLTP-rated range of 315km on a single charge. In contrast, the Premium variant is equipped with a larger 66kWh battery, offering a WLTP-rated range of 440km. Both variants utilise the same 268hp, 343Nm electric motor, taking 6.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h, and are configured with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup.

Additionally, certain features like automatic headlight levelling, lighted front grille or door handles, welcome light, luminous side logo, and a kick sensor for the motorised tailgate are available.

Inside, the Pro variant exhibits a few feature reductions, such as leatherette seats and the absence of ventilated seats for the front occupants. Moreover, the 10-inch head-up display is replaced by a more basic 5-speaker audio system instead of the 13-speaker Beats Audio System.

The third variant, the Brabus variant, offers all the features present in the other variants and an additional option: the ability to switch from RWD to all-wheel-drive (AWD). This variant prioritises high performance, boasting a rapid 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds. It features a Dual-motor All-Wheel-Drive powertrain with 422hp and 543Nm of torque, providing excellent handling and traction and a practical WLTP range of 400km.

Our driving experience with the Premium and Brabus variants in real-world conditions was a delightful blend of a Mini and a Mercedes EQB, owing to the cars size and high-quality build. The car exudes a sense of quality, both in its interior and exterior design. Sitting inside gives you the impression of driving a Mercedes, with ambient lighting offering 64 available colours and different combinations for the top and bottom.

Despite its compact appearance, the smart #1 is surprisingly spacious, measuring 4,270mm in length and 1,822mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm. Even individuals with broad shoulders and long legs can sit comfortably without any struggle. For added comfort, there’s dual-zone auto air conditioning with rear vents, an N95 air conditioning filter, and chilled center armrest storage.

Moving on from the specifications, our journey commenced at Menara Affin, heading to the Sungai Besi Expressway. Along the way, we extensively tested the reliability of the ADAS system. The lane change assist feature, in particular, made lane switching feel seamless and safe, especially in Kuala Lumpur traffic.

However, in the Brabus variant, switching lanes manually is exhilarating and fun, thanks to its ample power. Whenever possible, we took advantage of this power, ensuring to adhere to speed limits. Moreover, the cars design provides maximum visibility, enhancing the driving experience.

With the Brabus variant, you can activate a virtual exhaust sound through the Beats speakers, amplifying the excitement of acceleration and adding a touch of fun to the electric vehicle driving experience.

In terms of speed limits, the car detects speed limit signs and warns you if you exceed them. With the Brabus variant, expect frequent warnings due to its potential for quick overtaking, making it an enjoyable city car. You definitely won’t be bullied by Myvi’s anymore. As a matter of fact, we managed to get a few “King of the Malaysian roads” to get out of our way.

The technology incorporated is impressive and convenient, featuring Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and even a built-in navigation system. The heads-up display provides crucial information, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.

During our testing at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, we tried the Autonomous Parking Assist. However, this system proved somewhat flawed, often prompting us to park manually as it struggled to detect available spaces efficiently. It seems more suitable for use in locations with minimal traffic, such as shopping malls.

Heading back on the highway, we switched from the Brabus to the Premium variant. Returning to Menara Affin during peak traffic hours, the ADAS system of the Premium variant proved effective in detecting potential dangers on the road. While the Premium variant is slightly slower than the Brabus, it offers comparable performance without compromising on speed.

Though no official pricing confirmation is available, smart Malaysia estimates a range of RM200,000 to RM250,000 for these variants. Bookings have been steadily coming in, although the exact number remains undisclosed.

If you’re keen to experience the smart #1 firsthand, you can do so at Menara Affin, TRX, from 12th to 14th October 2023, between 9am to 6pm, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Ford Patents Sun Visor That Doubles As Glass Breaker

In a recent patent (number 11,780,302 BS) dated October 10, 2023, filed by Ford, a simple yet potentially life-saving innovation has been unveiled. The patent showcases a sun visor that can function as a glass breaker in emergency situations.

The design appears to be a standard sun visor found in most vehicles, mounted on a metal rod for easy flipping to block the sun. However, what sets this innovation apart is its dual functionality. The sun visor can be removed to reveal a pointed end, intended to be used as an impact point to shatter a window.

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Infiniti Teases Vision QE: A Glimpse Into Their First Electric Vehicle

Luxury automaker Infiniti is providing a glimpse of its first electric vehicle, the “Vision Qe,” ahead of its official debut later this month. The Vision Qe offers a sleek fastback design, providing a preview of Infiniti’s venture into the electric vehicle market, although arriving later than some competitors.

Infiniti, a subsidiary of Nissan, has yet to unveil its first fully electric vehicle despite the market shifting towards electrification. The brand witnessed a decline in sales in the US, prompting a revamped visual identity and roadmap to align with the changing automotive landscape. It has even been discontinued here in Malaysia for some time now but is expected to make a comeback in our market.

As part of its plan, Infiniti aims to revamp sales and target 100,000 sales by mid-decade, relying on four new or refreshed models, including two fully electric vehicles. The updated identity encompasses retail stores with large glass windows akin to Apple stores, symbolizing a new era for Infiniti.

The Infiniti logo has also undergone modifications, emphasising the “Infiniti road” and horizon line, signifying a new chapter for the brand, which includes the introduction of its first EVs.

The Vision Qe concept will be officially revealed on October 24, along with several other new models, providing a glimpse into Infiniti’s future lineup and electrification strategy.

Rolls-Royce Reveals The Black Badge Ghost Ekleipsis

Rolls-Royce has once again set a higher standard with the unveiling of their latest masterpiece, the Black Badge Ghost Ekleipsis Private Collection. This exclusive release, limited to just 25 units, draws its inspiration from the celestial event of a solar eclipse, infusing each aspect with the grandeur, spectacle, and enigma associated with this astronomical marvel.

The external design features a distinctive Lyrical Copper hue that glimmers and shifts from shadows to iridescent brilliance as light dances upon it. Delicate Mandarin accents below the iconic Pantheon Grille and meticulously hand-painted coachlines pay homage to the phases of a solar eclipse.

Upon entering, the interior boasts a tailor-made and intricately crafted finish. The animated Starlight Headliner emulates the solar eclipse, darkening and illuminating in a captivating sequence. A total of 940 ‘stars,’ representing the corona during totality, are encircled by 192 stars mimicking the phenomenon of seeing stars during daylight. This extraordinary feature, taking over a year and three prototypes to refine, provides a sense of celestial drama within the car.

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Mercedes-AMG Unveils Upgrades For GLA 45 S 4MATIC+

Mercedes-AMG has raised the bar with upgrades to its compact performance SUV, the GLA 45 S 4MATIC+. These enhancements encompass both visual and technical facets, cementing its position as a powerful and stylish compact SUV.

One of the key highlights is the redesigned front apron and the inclusion of the distinctive AMG crest on the bonnet. The entire lighting system has been upgraded to LED technology, including a new light signature for the headlights and rear lights, providing a subtle yet distinctive visual touch. The Multibeam LED main headlights are now offered as an optional feature.

On the exterior, the vehicle’s powerful character is emphasized by wheel arch extensions that are now body-colored, departing from the black components on the predecessor model. The standard 20-inch wheels and red brake callipers enhance its sporty appeal. At the rear, the round twin tailpipe trim and roof spoiler lip underline its status as the most potent version of the GLA family.

Moving to the interior, the latest generation of the AMG Performance steering wheel is now a standard feature. It incorporates AMG steering wheel buttons with bright displays and intuitive operating logic, allowing the driver to control vital driving functions and driving programs. The MBUX infotainment system is upgraded, offering a new AMG-specific screen design and an extended range of functions. Connectivity is enhanced with wireless interfacing for smartphones through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional USB charging power and a USB-C port further improve connectivity options.

Moreover, the GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ offers new exterior and interior options, including three light-alloy wheels and a range of upholstery covers for the seats, providing a modern and customisable interior feel.

Under the hood, it houses a potent AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, delivering an impressive 421hp of output. This compact SUV accelerates from zero to 100km/h in a mere 4.3 seconds and boasts a top speed of 270km/h. The AMG Speedshift DCT eight-speed dual-clutch transmission ensures agile power transmission.

The GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is complemented by the standard Race driving program and the fully variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ with AMG Torque Control. This dynamic duo amplifies the driving experience, distributing power variably between the front and rear axles as well as selectively between the left and right rear wheels.

The pricing details for the 2024 GLA 45 S 4Matic+ is yet to be announced.