CUPRA Tavascan vs smart #3

The CUPRA Tavascan starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $12,090.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $76,989 and $63,690 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Both the CUPRA Tavascan and smart #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the CUPRA Tavascan and 90% for the smart #3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Tavascan packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the smart #3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the CUPRA Tavascan and 7 in the smart #3. The CUPRA Tavascan adds a 360-degree camera that the smart #3 misses.

The CUPRA Tavascan features a 15-inch touchscreen paired with a 5.3-inch digital dash, while the smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The smart #3 counters with panoramic roof that the CUPRA Tavascan does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the CUPRA Tavascan gets fabric upholstery while the smart #3 offers leatherette. Climate control is 3-zone in the CUPRA Tavascan and 2-zone in the smart #3.

The CUPRA Tavascan uses a Electric Motor producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.

The smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.

The CUPRA Tavascan has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 77kWh (CUPRA Tavascan) vs 66kWh (smart #3), giving WLTP ranges of 531km and 435km. DC fast charging peaks at 135kW (CUPRA Tavascan) vs 130kW (smart #3).

The CUPRA Tavascan measures 4,644mm long on a 2,766mm wheelbase, 244mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the CUPRA Tavascan and 260L in the smart #3, giving the CUPRA Tavascan a 280L advantage.

For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Tavascan) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3). Both match on warranty length.