7/09/2025

theSunday Special XV ON SUNDAY SEPT 7, 2025

Smart on steroids New flagship #5 electric SUV promises more space, stronger performance and long-range capability

Parking wars and golden pointed badges I LIVE in a gated and guarded residential area where some of the egos match the size of their houses. We often think that the richer someone is, the bigger their heart will be. But if there is any thing that Scrooge bourhood was back to its joyful self again. The sun shone bright and the birds were singing again. It was not to last. Scrooge McDuck was not having it. How could he be told off? After all, he WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

SMART MALAYSIA has given a first look at its new flagship electric SUV, the smart #5, ahead of its expected market launch. Positioned above the #1 and #3 models, the new SUV promises more space, stronger, per formance, and long-range capability, placing it directly in competition with established premium EVs. The smart #5 will be offered in three versions: Pro, Premium and Brabus. The entry-level Pro comes with a 76kWh bat tery and a single rear motor producing 335hp and 373Nm. It does the 0–100kph sprint in 6.9 sec onds with a top speed of 200kph, while range is claimed at 465km (WLTP). Features include PU leather seats, a powered tailgate, 9-speaker audio system and 256-colour ambient lighting. Boot space is 630L, expandable to 1,530L with the rear seats folded. The Premium raises the bar with a 100kWh battery for up to 590km of range. Output is 358hp, 373Nm of torque, and it accelerates to 100kph in 6.5 seconds. Inside, there’s Nappa leather upholstery, a 20 speaker Sennheiser system

wireless chargers and faster 22kW AC charging. At the top of the range, the Brabus edition delivers true performance credentials. Dual motors provide 636hp and 710Nm, cut ting the 0–100kph time down to 3.8 seconds and pushing top speed to 210kph. It also comes with sport suspension, larger 21 inch alloys, red brake callipers and simulated engine sound. The Brabus uses an 800V charging setup, allowing a 10–80% charge in just 15 minutes with a 400kW DC charger. The smart #5 is equipped with 26 sensors, including cameras, radars and ultrasonic units, powered by Nvidia OrinX chips. This supports L2+ advanced driver assistance systems, including Smart Pilot Assist, Auto Lane Change Assist and autonomous parking. Safety has also been prioritised, with the model designed to meet both European and Chinese 5 star NCAP standards. The body uses 82% high-strength steel and achieves a torsional rigidity of 42,300Nm/deg, well above segment norms.

was a high and mighty person with a golden pointed badges on his cars telling the world how important he is. So, what does he do? He buys an old junk of a Mercedes-Benz and parks it in place of the cones. So, now not only can no one park there, but we also have to deal with an unsightly old car that is clearly rotting away under the Malaysian sun. I applaud his arrogance. This is a new level of pettiness that I have never seen in my life. But this also revealed some thing else about our society that I have thought of many times before but never really bothered putting pen to paper or pounding on my keyboard for. We Malaysians, particularly those of us in Klang Valley truly are a selfish bunch. We will double and triple park our cars just so that we are not inconvenienced. God forbid we have to walk five minutes after parking in a proper park ing lot. “Haiya, just for a while only mah, can’t wait ah? Sekejap sahaja lah, susah sangat ke ?” These are just among the things we hear when we tell someone off from blocking our cars. And these are just among the politer choice of words that we often hear. But what is the root cause of this selfishness? Is it a lack of parking? I live near Kota Damansara and anyone who lives there will understand how the parking can be. So, anytime I need to get something done there, I park at Sunway Giza and just walk to my destination. Unless I have a passenger then I dou ble park, but that is only because my passenger can move the car if needed. What is wrong with walk ing? I am not saying I am right, and I do understand that our hot or wet weather makes it difficult. But walking is a choice, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I have no answer to what causes this selfishness. But it is embedded deep into our cul ture, and it is beginning to spill over into housing areas, and that is not okay.

McDuck taught me on all those Saturday mornings spent in front the TV watching Donald Duck, the richer someone is, often the stingier they are. Recently a new resident moved into the neighbour hood after buying the corner lot house right opposite to my humble terrace home. After a year of renovations and wreaking havoc for the rest of us, he moved in with his Bentley, Cayenne, and swarm of Toyota Alphards with golden pointed badges, show ing everyone how important of a person he is. He does not say hello; he does not even look at any of his neighbours. For many years before he moved in, the neighbourhood had an understanding that we could park pretty much wher ever we wanted just as long as it did not block anyone’s home. If anyone was expecting guests or organising a party, it was simply understood that their guests could also park wherever they could. Just don’t block anyone. It was a simple, unspoken understanding and everyone got along fine. It was a happy community. Then came the Malaysian Scrooge McDuck with his dreaded golden pointed badges on his cars. Suddenly there were cones everywhere in front of our homes, placed by his drivers and bodyguards in their impeccably tailored outfits. Even though he had plenty of parking space inside his new home, he did not want anyone parking anywhere close to his house. This of course infuriated residents which was then fol lowed by multiple complaints and letters to the manage ment, including some to the city council. A few weeks later, the man agement together with some officers from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) arrived to confiscate the cones and issue a warning to the person at home. Just because the per son bought the house, it does not mean they bought the roads too. Cones were not allowed on public roads. For two weeks my neigh

A long 2,900 mm wheelbase ensures generous cabin space. The rear seats offer reclining functions and modes that can transform the cabin into nap or bed layouts. Luggage capacity extends up to 1,530L, complemented by a 72L frunk. Premium materials such as real wood trims, laminated soundproof glass and Nappa leather feature throughout, while a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade adds to the sense of space. In Malaysia, the smart #5 will compete with models such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X and Xpeng G6, while the Brabus edition will target buyers look ing at performance EVs like the BMW iX3 and Mini Countryman SE. With three variants on offer, ranging from prac tical to high-performance, the smart #5 is shaping up to be one of the most versatile premium EV

with Dolby Atmos, and an augmented reality head-up display. The variant also gains illuminated concealed door handles, dual

SUVs entering the Malaysian market.

iCaur opens dealership in M’sia ahead of launch ICAUR MALAYSIA has officially opened its first dealership in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, marking a major milestone for the young EV marque.

through additional outlets. The brand’s first model will arrive in Malaysia with prices estimated between RM145,000 and RM155,000. Early customers can secure a fully refundable booking of RM1,000 to become among the first owners. Two variants will be available at launch. The iCaur 03 2WD comes with a 184PS electric motor producing 220Nm of torque, powered by a 65.7kWh LFP battery that deliv ers an NEDC-rated range of 426km. For drivers seeking more performance, the iCaur 03 Intelligent Wheel Drive variant offers dual motors generating 205kW (279PS) and 385Nm of torque, paired with a 69.8kWh bat tery offering a 418km range (NEDC).

More than just a local debut, this flagship facility is also the brand’s first dealership world wide, underscoring Malaysia’s significance as a launchpad for iCaur’s global journey. The dealership is operated by Absolute Motor Sdn Bhd and represents a pivotal step as iCaur moves closer to the introduction of its first model, the iCaur 03, which will be launched on Sept 9. By mid-September, the company expects to expand its footprint with 18 sales points and nine full dealerships nationwide, with Absolute Motor also planning to extend its presence