The Smart #1 is a compact electric vehicle with a single electric motor on the rear axle, providing 268bhp and 343Nm of power. It has a 62kWh battery and rapid 150kW charging, providing a 10-80% top-up in less than 30 minutes. The Smart has a five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety assessments, but its driver assistance tech leaves room for improvement. The Smart’s lane-keep assist system is intrusive and over-active, while its soft suspension and significant body weight make it feel soothing at motorway speeds.

The Renault Megane E-Tech, with its CMF-EV platform, is rated to tow a 1,600kg trailer and has a five-star rating. The Megane offers a more polished driving experience, with better brakes and a firmer chassis. While it beats the Smart in terms of interior design and infotainment tech, it could be a formidable competitor with more rear-seat space and longer real-world range. 

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