Loading vehicles...
The result of collaboration between Mercedes Benz and SMH Group, the SmartCar, or Smart City-Coupe, was ahead of its time when it was unveiled at the1998 Paris Motor Show.
However, Smart City-Coupe cars took a while to reach UK shores, with the first right-hand drive variants of this popular supermini going on sale in 2001, by which time the original had already been redesigned four times. As a result, the market for used Smart City-Coupes imported on the grey market was initially quite large, although nearly all of these vehicles were left-hand-drive.
Initially three specifications of the Smart City-Coupe were available to UK buyers. These were the 44bhp base model (Pure) with three-cylinder engine, a sporty middle range 55bhp turbo-charged version (Pulse) and the Passion, a car which was a top-of-the range luxury-fitted version of the Pulse.
Major selling points of the Smart City-Coupe car included its Euro NCAP safety rating of three stars, awarded in 2000 thanks to the two airbags and electronic stability control. Additionally, it received a European Design Award for its original prototype in 1996, which also helped to raise its profile. A quirky, youthful look, low insurance group and excellent fuel economy also helped to increase Smart City-Coupe sales.
A diesel version was developed, but never really took off in the UK. Despite the CDi 54bhp engine doing an impressive 85.6mpg, many found it too slow and sluggish.
Then in 2004, the Smart City-Coupe car was re-branded as the Smart Fortwo, perhaps to counter sluggish sales. A market leader in terms of innovation, second-hand Smart City-Coupes remain firm favourites, but often take a back seat to their more flash convertible counterparts.