The Smart #1, known initially as Hashtag1, has grown up. Manufactured by Geely in China, this compact yet spacious electric crossover SUV is quite popular today. In fact, it’s larger and heavier than the previous VW Golf Plus. It’s a real giant for a Smart and also quite powerful.
We have launched the KW V3 coilover suspension with a parts certificate for all Smart #1. This coilover suspension can be adjusted independently in compression and rebound and is available in two versions. Due to the front axle drive shafts, the coilovers for the all-wheel-drive #1 Pulse and #1 Brabus models differ from those for the rear-wheel-drive #1 Pure, #1 Pure+, #1 Pro, #1 Pro+, and #1 Premium models.
Whether all-wheel drive or not, the stepless lowering remains the same: The Smart #1, which has between 272 hp and 428 hp, can be lowered by 30 to 50 millimeters on the front axle. On the rear axle, the parts certificate covers a stepless lowering of 35 to 55 millimeters.
The infinitely variable lowering is adjusted using the spring perch on the MacPherson front axle struts and the rear axle height adjustment on the multi-link rear axle.
An adjustment wheel is placed on top of the piston rod to be able to adjust the rebound damping rebound damping 
Optionally, adjustment shafts are also available if you want to turn the setup more often
Like all KW V3 coilover suspensions, the rear axle dampers on the Smart #1 are made of stainless steel. Only in rare cases do we use aluminum for KW V3 and KW V4 coilover suspensions.
The torrential downpour photographed Smart #1 Brabus and a rear-wheel-drive Smart #1, our R&D cars at our Fichtenberg headquarters. We at KW approach suspension engineering with meticulous precision, ensuring each of our KW coilover suspension kits is meticulously tailored to specific vehicles. While anyone can lower a car with shorter springs, achieving superior handling dynamics and mastering high-speed cornering with a coilover suspension kit demands true engineering artistry.
During chassis development, the Smart #1, like many other vehicles, underwent testing on our vertical vehicle dynamics test rig, known as the KW 7-post rig. This allowed us to optimize the overall driving dynamics, including damping forces, elastokinematics, spring rates, and more. Because the Smart #1 is a road car with minimal aerodynamic loads, we used the rig in the 4-post mode.
And it’s not just us who say there’s room for improvement when it comes to the Smart #1’s chassis. Even within the community and in a few critical reviews, the lateral dynamics leave much to be desired compared to the longitudinal dynamics. To put it bluntly, the Smart #1 Brabus may be quick in a straight line, but it’s not very good at cornering. The assistance systems often intervene quite early to stabilize the heavy and high body structure.
With the KW V3 coilover suspension kit, this is no longer the case, and the suspension is available for all Smart #1 models. It provides the electric Smart, which weighs up to 1.9 tonnes, with significantly stronger support for the body structure. As a result, the various Smart #1 models benefit from much more precise handling. The body also rolls much less.
The KW V3 coilover suspension kit, with its multi-valve dampers, provides a smooth ride while effectively absorbing bumps and road irregularities. Whether driving in the city or on country roads, the KW V3 delivers a sporty and balanced driving experience.
If you desire an even sportier ride after installing the KW V3 coilover suspension, or if you prefer a more comfortable ride, you can further adjust the dampers. For example, the low-speed rebound damping adjustment allows you to fine-tune the rebound during load changes in the deflected state. This enables you to customize the handling characteristics to be firmer or more comfortable.
On the other hand, the adjustable low-speed compression damping allows for further customization of turn-in, dive under braking, and acceleration of the electric SUV; to a certain extent, ride comfort can also be adjusted. Even with a setup that’s a bit too stiff, our multi-valve technology dampens very harsh impacts from expansion joints, edges, or bumps.
When ordering the KW V3 coilover suspension for the Smart #1, all you have to do is specify whether the compact crossover SUV has rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. As always, you can find all the information about the suspension, delivery times, and prices on www.kwsuspensions.net
