A familiar site on our roads for the last decade, the previous generation smart fortwo has been replaced with this all-new model, built in collaboration with Renault. It might not look quite as cute as the original, but it offers the same urban practicality and low running costs. Although now fractionally wider, it’s still strictly a two-seater, complete with tiny boot, so if greater space and more seats are required, you’ll need to look towards the similar styled but larger smart forfour.

The smart fortwo has undergone improvements in virtually all areas. Drive power is supplied by all-new three-cylinder engines, while power transmission is performed by a five-speed manual transmission or the twinamic automatic dual clutch transmission.

The essential safety concept embodied so successfully by the preceding model has been retained. Like a nut, the soft interior is protected from harm by a rigid shell: the tridion cell. A high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steel is now used on the new smart.

Advanced assistance systems which were previously the reserve of higher classes of vehicle, further enhance safety and comfort. These include Crosswind Assist (standard), forward collision warning (option) and Lane Keeping Assist (option).

Despite the compact dimensions, inside there’s plenty of headroom and the one-piece moulded seats are comfy and supportive and even this base-spec passion spec car boasts a comprehensive scope of safety and comfort features. These include 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobiliser, cruise control with limiter (variable speed limitation), exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with monochrome LCD display and trip computer and electric windows in the front.

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. Overall quality has seen an improvement on the old car too, with the new dashboard and centre console feeling considerably more upmarket, although the dash-mounted rev counter still feels flimsy.

Two all-new 0.9-litre three-cylinder engines are available in 71, 90 and 110 hp guises. Unlike the other two turbocharged variants, this naturally aspirated engine generates 71 hp from a capacity of 999 cc. It might be the least powerful of the available powertrains but it’s powerful enough for everyday driving, unless you’re going to be doing a lot of motorway work.

smart customers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission and the twinamic six-speed dual clutch transmission. Both are a huge improvement on the previous generation’s robotised manual gearbox.

The chassis and suspension of the new smart generation have been evolved on the basis of the experience acquired with the previous model and designed to improve ride comfort. It’s been a partial success, because while the new fortwo does ride considerably smoother than before, the short wheelbase means that the tiny smart does still bob around and bounce a bit on bumpier roads. While engine refinement is now much better, wind noise is still fairly intrusive, so the smart won’t be the best companion for long motorway journeys.

But let’s face it, this car will be bought primarily for urban use, and in this arena it excels, feeling light, pointy and ... just so nimble. When it comes to the turning circle, the new smart fortwo sets a new benchmark: at 6.95 m (from kerb to kerb) and 7.30 m (from wall to wall) it makes turning manoeuvres extremely simple.

Verdict:

The fortwo is the perfect companion for dashing around towns and cities. Just like its well regarded predecessor, the baby smart is brimming with personality and style, but now offers a more premium feel, greater comfort and new safety tech.

Tech spec:

smart fortwo 1.0 Passion
Price: £11,125
Engine: 3 cyls in line, 999cc petrol
Gearbox: 5-spd manual
0-62mph: 14.4 seconds
Top speed: 95mph
Economy: 68.9mpg
CO2: 93g/km
Power: 71hp at 6000rpm
Torque: 91 Nm at 2850rpm