€34,000 Match: The Renault Megane Outshines the Smart #1

To try to exist, the Smart #1 is benefiting from very aggressive discounts, but is it enough against the best-seller Renault Megane?

Misjudging the target. These four words sum up quite well the philosophical shift made by Smart at the time of its acquisition by the Chinese Geely. From the smart and maneuverable micro-city car, which was a well-defined concept, the big marketing brains decided to turn it into an SUV brand. That’s clever: the market is already oversaturated.

To enter this segment so late, and to attract historical customers who already had other mobility solutions at Mercedes (the brand’s founder), something truly innovative would have been needed. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Thus, the only solution is to literally undercut their products. But what will be the next step? The second death of Smart?

We’re not there yet, but it is also true that the loss of the ecological bonus in France in 2024 has severely impacted Smart‘s commercial performance. Quarters are passing by, and we understand that it is no longer possible to custom order a new model. One must sift through the stock, and then what? Not reassuring for the customer.

Cheaper than the Megane, and so what?

The intrigue of the day lies in the price reduction of the Smart #1 Pure below the 34,000 euro mark: 33,815 euros! Factually, one might say it’s very affordable for a vehicle in this category for everyday use. Good looks, nice handling, generous power of 272 horsepower, and very acceptable finish for the price, this discounted Smart raises many questions. And then, it’s time to consider a second question: who is on the other side?

And here, ouch: the Renault Megane stands in the way with XXL arguments. Same price, or even lower with a little push from the dealer. And above all, features in terms of space and range that belong to another category.

Technical Data Sheets

The pragmatism raised in the introduction finds a perfect definition in the Renault Megane: satisfactory power of 130 hp and speed limited to avoid unnecessary consumption. Then, with a battery 22% larger and an 18% lower consumption, the range can only be a fatal uppercut for the Smart. With 310 km compared to the 470 km of the French model, the Chinese wobbles on its feet. Especially since its trunk is 10% smaller while its exterior dimensions are more generous. Look for the error.

It is impossible to separate the two rivals in terms of charging, as they are strictly identical. However, as an option, the Megane does offer a charging performance of up to 22 kW in alternating current, but the benefit is relatively low.

Similarly, in terms of equipment, both competitors provide all the essentials, but without unnecessary eccentricities.

Ultimately, and without ignoring the question of Made-in-France production (let’s be a little patriotic!), the Renault Megane is a significantly more relevant and economical option for daily use than the Smart #1. Consumption, tire wear, availability of parts, and residual value on the second-hand market all favor the French model.

Finally, know that the Renault Megane offers two other mobility solutions: a small battery and a range of 300 km starting at 30,000 euros, and a more powerful version (220 hp) with fast charging starting at 36,000 euros. All this with negotiation at the dealership…

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