Latest news with #SmartCars
Auto Car
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
It's a Smart car, Jim, but not as we know it... We drive the funky new #5 SUV - with 637bhp!
In many ways, the #5 could not be further removed from the snack-sized Smart cars of yore, but its designers claim to have taken inspiration from the Fortwo's innovative packaging – loftily referred to as the 'body space index' – to maximise roominess. And so it proves: with the wheels pushed right to the corners of the body, a totally flat floor and a pleasingly traditional straight-backed silhouette, the #5 has about as cavernous and airy a cabin as its possible to offer in this footprint. Boot space (630 litres out back and up to 74 in the frunk), head room and oddment storage (there are 32 cubbies dotted around) are all strong suits, and I had a comfortable 20cm of leg room when sat behind my 5ft 10in self - making the #5 more on a par with cars from the class above for back-seat refinement. It feels of a higher calibre materially compared with its smaller stablemates, too, with decently plush materials used for all the main touchpoints and a reassuring sense of solidity to its (admittedly sparse) physical switchgear. I reckon the mock carbonfibre trimmings, microfibre upholstery and red accents of the Brabus edition do little but cheapen what is otherwise a really thoughtfully arranged and designed cabin – if a little heavy on the #5's trademark lozenge motifs – but overall it's a treatment that legitimises Smart's premium aspirations. Inevitably, an over-reliance on the 13in touchscreen for the primary vehicle controls is a weak point, but Smart has responded to customer feedback from the earlier cars and made various functions – like the climate stack, ADAS and audio – quicker to access from the home screen, which helps to minimise eyes-off time. The driver assist functions themselves are irritating and distracting, but no more so than in any other new car, and easy enough to turn off. A same-sized touchscreen for the front passenger is standard from Pro+ trim upwards (testament to the influence of Chinese consumer demands), which feels totally unnecessary. I found it a distracting presence on the move and can't quite imagine how bad your conversational skills would have to be on a road trip to force your companion to pop their headphones in and load up a film. It's technology for technology's sake and completely unwarranted in a mainstream family crossover. Investment could be better allocated elsewhere. The same goes for the infotainment interfaces more broadly, which have been overly gamified to the extent that customising your settings is reminiscent of setting up a player profile on a Nintendo Wii, and once again Smart has seen fit to introduce a digital mascot – this time a lion called Leo – which does the sum total of absolutely nothing. It's difficult to know how much crossover there is between people who appreciate this sort of whimsical digitisation and those who are in the market for a £40,000-plus premium SUV - but I'd wager not much.
Business Upturn
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
Remsons Industries wins Rs 300 crore order from Stellantis North America; Stock jumps 11%
Auto component manufacturer Remsons Industries Limited has secured one of the largest orders in its history, receiving a ₹300 crore business award from Stellantis N.V., North America. The company announced the development in a regulatory filing on May 15, 2025, after market hours. According to the disclosure, the contract pertains to the supply of auto control cables for Stellantis' Smart Cars, Jeep, and Three-Wheeler segments. The contract spans a period of up to seven years, with deliveries expected to commence from the next financial year. The order includes standard commercial terms such as quality parameters, pricing agreements, and delivery schedules mutually agreed upon by both parties. The order was awarded by Stellantis' North America unit and qualifies as an international contract. Remsons clarified that there is no promoter or related party interest involved in the deal. The company said the award strengthens its positioning as a leading player in the control cable segment and underscores its capability to deliver to major global OEMs. Meanwhile, shares of Remsons Industries surged as much as 11% in early trade following the announcement. The stock opened at ₹119.28 and rallied to an intraday high of ₹141.21 and is currently trading at ₹132.00, up 9.98% from the previous close. stemming from this strategic win. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
