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smart #1 vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (368 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (40,700 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – smart #1 or VW Golf Variant?

smart #1 vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

smart #1

  • considerably more power
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW Golf Variant

2.6 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
  • substantially more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

#1

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Golf Variant is considerably cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the smart #1 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,858 £.

Golf Variant

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #1 offers considerably more power – delivering 368 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 164 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #1 delivers clearly more torque with 470 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 110 Nm more.

#1

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is noticeably lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,900 kg. The difference is around 534 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers substantially more boot space – 611 L compared to 313 L. That’s a difference of about 298 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries markedly more – 547 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 122 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #1 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

£40,705
#1

smart #1

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 368 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 18.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 400 km
details

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smart #1
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

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Reviews smart #1

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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Reviews VW Golf Variant

2.6 (2 Reviews)
rate
Kobe
12 Sept 2026, 06:49:27

I've now been using it for 3 years with no problems. Comfortable, lots of space — in short, a good, reliable travel companion.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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smart #1
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
40,700 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
18.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,900 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
313 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,822 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
425 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
368 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
470 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
271 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
smart
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the smart #1?

The smart #1 is available as All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.