Smart’s model range gets an upgrade with new OTA updates

Driver Guides  New Launches 

The English language has been gathering words for centuries. Despite borrowing lots of them from all kinds of different languages, we clearly haven’t got enough or there wouldn’t be so many with multiple meanings. For example, “smart” can mean clean and tidy, or it can mean clever. Both of which could also describe the latest over-the-air (OTA) updates to the current range of Smart #1 and Smart #3 models.

Following the latest update, the Smart #1 and Smart #3 now offer more optimisations for an improved driving experience. Good news for current drivers, and a good reason to consider leasing one of them too.

The Smart brand has positioned itself firmly in the premium EV segment, combining the luxurious history of Mercedes-Benz with cutting-edge EV technology from Chinese carmaker Geely. The results can be seen in the characterful hatchback Smart #1 and the coupe-like crossover Smart #3.

Both models are stylish, comfortable, and offer a choice of well-equipped trim-levels. They’re available with a range of all-electric powertrains offering ranges of up to 273 miles (Smart #1) and 283 miles (Smart #3), or you can opt for one of the all-wheel drive Brabus versions that will hit 62mph in under 4 seconds.

And of course, they are also upgradeable so you’ll constantly have access to the latest technology Smart has to offer. And if that’s not good enough already, Smart’s updates are also free of charge to all of its customers.

It’s an easy way to ensure your car is kept right up-to-date, and since the launch of the new range, Smart has already delivered five OTA updates. This latest update offers a range of new functions and optimizations that further increase convenience, comfort, and safety.

There’s a new low energy regeneration function that allows the effect of recuperation to be felt more gently in the cabin. Energy recuperation is a feature of many EVs that improves efficiency by using the motor/s to generate electricity to top up the battery when you take your foot off the accelerator. Resistance from the motor also acts a bit like an extra brake and sometimes the energy recuperation can be a bit…energetic. The latest update has added a new function that allows you to dial this down so the ride is smoother and more comfortable.

If you happen to be driving a model that boasts the 360° camera option, there is also a new option that lets you position the “picture-in-picture” camera view anywhere you want on the central screen. It’s a relatively small touch, but it allows you to move the image to wherever is most convenient for you so you’ll always be comfortable when using it.

Both model ranges have also received an update to the selectable avatar for the Smart Companion voice control function that can appear on the screen as either a static graphic or an animated character. More model-specific features have also been updated, with new interior sound effects for the smart #1 Premium and new engine simulation sounds in the smart #1 BRABUS and smart #1 Launch Edition.

There is also another update to tell you about, but due to technical reasons we’re not entirely certain if it will actually be of use in the UK.

As part of Smart’s energy management system, your car’s battery can be used to power external devices. Vehicle-to-Load functions can be very useful, and in all fairness the issue with this particular update is actually nothing to do with the car itself. The issue in question is that you need one of Smart’s dedicated V2L cables, and at the moment they are only available with a European type F socket on the end.

Smart has confirmed that use of the V2L function may be restricted in some countries, or not possible at all depending on local standards for external devices. There may well be a solution to this for UK customers, but as we’re not electrical engineers we have to play it safe and say we just don’t know.

Regardless of that particular detail, there’s no denying the latest range of models from Smart manages to fulfil the different definitions of the word: Clean and tidy, stylishly dressed, and undeniably very clever. Be smart: lease one here.

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