when you say smoothed do you mean you are hitting the "1" "2" or "3" keys? If so that is not smoothing it. Infact it gives you a real-time display of what it'll look like when converted to sub d's at a display level of 1 2 or 3. I've noticed if you apply a mesh smooth with a division level of 1 than you can replicate the look of the "3" key. or converted to sub D's at level 3 display.

To get it to render as you see it displayed convert to sub d's level 3 display or add a mesh smooth and you should be just fine.

If that is not the problem do let me know.