smart cars have been a familiar site on our roads since they first appeared back in 1998. Here is perhaps the last run-out version of the current second generation model. Dubbed the fortwo BoConcept edition, it’s the result of collaboration between smart and a ‘Danish urban interior design specialist’ and is available in both coupé and cabrio bodystyles.

Additional features include highline multimedia and navigation system with 6.5-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth, iPod interface and CD/DVD player, air conditioning and electric windows.

The cabin has a fresh and quirky feel – much more snappily styled than the plain upholstery of the regular smart fortwo 71 Coupe. There are unique tobacco brown leather-look seats, grey quilted fabric inlays and light lemon double stitching. The dashboard, door panels and kneepad employ the same colour scheme and the interior is further complimented by a two-spoke leather steering wheel.

The smart’s seating is generously proportioned, and provides decent levels of comfort and support, even for taller occupants. Although elbow room is a bit restricted, headroom is anything but. The boxy dimensions, upright driving position and closeness to the rear window mean parking is a breeze, while a two-part tailgate allows for easy boot access.

Although not the car’s key brief, storage is actually pretty good. It’s got net door cards and other cubbies dotted around, including a lockable glovebox. You get a glass sunroof with a mesh blind, which lights up the cabin nicely, too.

Diminutive dimensions, excellent visibility and light controls make the smart an excellent urban companion. However, it can also head out of town thanks to its eager 71 bhp 999cc 3-cylinder engine, where it does a good job keeping up with traffic. Thanks to an engagingly sporty sound track (sounds a bit like a baby Porsche Boxster) and nimble handing, fun can be had too, although engine and road noise are fairly intrusive so the smart won’t be the best choice for long motorway journeys.

The gearbox has full automatic or semi automatic mode, operated either by the gear lever or via steering wheel mounted flappy paddle controls. These take a bit of getting to use at first, but smoother progress can be had by easing off the gas in between shifts, as you would with a regular manual car. In automatic mode, gear changes are a bit delayed, and the little car lurches as the box searches for the next ratio. The long travel brake pedal also takes some getting used to.

The ride is on the firm and brittle side, and the smart does jiggle around over bumps in town, due partly to the very short wheelbase. Once underway the ride settles down, although it can still get a bit choppy when the road surface deteriorates.

Verdict:

Without doubt, the smart fortwo BoConcept has got style in spades, and the extra equipment adds to the compact model’s considerable appeal. However, dynamically it offers no improvement over lesser fortwo variants. The good news is that a completely new third-generation model, co-developed with Renault, is in the wings, which aims to build on the current car’s strengths, with increased dynamic ability and comfort.

Tech spec:

Smart fortwo BoConcept
Price: £11,940
Engine: 3 cyls in line, 999cc petrol
Gearbox: 5-spd automated manual
Kerb weight 780kg
0-62mph: 13.7sec
Top speed: 90mph
Economy: 64.2mpg (Official figure)
CO2: 100g/km
Power: 70bhp at 5800rpm
Torque: 92 Nm at 2800rpm
Insurance Group: 3