Highlights of Blick car boss Andreas Faust’s personal car for 2023: Smart is getting smarter and China is growing

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The Smart idea of ​​then Swatch boss Nicolas Hayek (1928-2010) sounded impressive: small car, two seats, electric drive – the environmentally friendly mobility of the future is ready. But was it really wise to go to crazy lengths to create three generations of a car that had so little usable value that you couldn’t even use the sun visors for other models? It’s definitely not economical: the Mercedes Group is said to be paying extra for Smart for life.

The dream must come true

He’s now at the helm of Smart alongside Geely, and the Chinese automaker is finally making it smarter. The top version with 428 hp exceeds the mark, but otherwise there is nothing to frown upon in the soon-to-be-launched Smart #3. Lots of space, great handling, easy to use and beautiful too. It is a fully-fledged family electric car at an affordable price, and even the basic version has a power of 272 hp (200 kW). One of the highlights of my car’s 2023 year.

But Chinese brands, not yet known in Switzerland, have long been ready to jump on us. Particularly promising: BYD, or Build Your Dreams as the manufacturer advertises it. I managed to drive the Stromer Limousine Seal (German for seal) in the Car of the Year jury’s tannis test held in the north of Denmark. With appropriate workmanship, high-quality interior and 313 or 530 HP (230 or 390 kW). There is no sign of a hit with China; The four-door model is likely to stand out not only from European competition, but also from Tesla. The brand has already surpassed everyone in terms of production figures: No one in the world produces as many electric cars per year as BYD.

Source: Blick