Smart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023



Set to enter the Malaysian market in Q4 2023 via PRO-NET (Proton’s subsidiary), the all-electric Smart #1 has scored a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. Euro NCAP has recently released the crash test results of 14 other cars as well including the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Toyota bZ4x.

Classified as a “small off-road” vehicle by Euro NCAP, the Smart #1 managed to obtain a score of 96% for “Adult Occupant Protection”, 89% for “Child Occupant Protection”, 71% for “Vulnerable Road Users Protection”, and 88% for “Safety Assist”. Smart says 74% usage of high-strength steel and 19% press-hardened steel in the Smart #1 has helped to create a strong safety environment for the user.

Besides the high Euro NCAP safety rating, Smart highlighted its overall battery safety protection system. The company has adopted multiple technical safeguard measures, including high thermal stability battery core materials, heat insulation of battery modules, and structural protection of the battery packs.

As for intelligent driving systems, the Smart #1 is equipped with the Smart Pilot Assist Package bundle. This includes Front Collision Mitigation (FCM) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). FCM detects when the vehicle is in imminent danger of a frontal collision and makes necessary countermeasures. LKA helps guide the driver back into the centre of the lane in case the vehicle is moving out of its lane without indicating by applying light counter-steering.

Other safety features of the Smart #1 include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle, Pedestrian and Cyclists Detection, and Emergency Manoeuvre Assist (EMA). It also features a Door Open Warning System (DOW).

RELATED: Proton inks distributorship deal with Smart, #1 EV SUV to launch in Q4 2022

Back in August this year, Proton and Smart inked a distributorship deal for the Smart #1 electric vehicle (EV). Proton’s clean energy subsidiary, PRO-NET will be in charge of sales of the Smart #1. Besides that, PRO-NET will also deploy charging solutions for customers which include home-based chargers and a public charging network.

As standard, the Smart #1 gets a single electric motor on the rear axle that makes 272 hp (metric) and 343 Nm. Energy is stored in a 66-kWh battery pack that provides up to 440 km of range (WLTP). A Brabus version of the Smart #1 adds another electric motor to the front axle, producing a system output of more than 400 hp.

RELATED: Smart #1 EV gets Brabus treatment – hot compact SUV EV to have over 400 hp