YOU no longer need to spend a fortune to experience the thrills of seat-of-the-pants roadster driving, thanks to innovative car company smart.
The little smart roadster is like a toy version of a Lotus Elise and although nowhere near as quick is just as much fun.
This is because the smart somehow manages to give the impression that it is travelling at twice the speed it actually is.
It is a combination of the proximity of your bottom to the ground, the frenetic nature of the buzzing engine and the Formula One-style paddle shift transmission system.
Whilst a power output of 80bhp may seem more suitable for a Nissan Micra than a sports car, it works well because of the smart's lack of weight.
However, for real fun the model to choose is the smart Brabus, which boosts power to just above 100bhp and knocks a second off the 0-60mph acceleration time.
The top speed rises from 110mph in the standard car to a new high of 120mph with very little effect on economy.
The differences may seem small in absolute terms for a sports car, but it is the power to weight ratio that counts.
In this case it is an impressive 120bhp per tonne, with an increase in pulling power from 81lb/ft to 96lb/ft, which gives the cars improved mid-range acceleration.
The price hike is a bit steep, from £13,500 for the standard car to £16,700 for the Brabus, which is more than enough to buy a 1.8-litre Mazda MX-5.
Standard kit includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, remote central locking, traction control, electric front windows and a CD player.
Distinguishing BRABUS equipment includes special Monoblock VI 17-inch alloy wheels, a twin sports exhaust, front spoiler, side skirts and radiator grille.
The interior gets a leather-trimmed dashboard, alloy-effect bits and pieces, Brabus instrument graphics, a leather and aluminium gearknob, aluminium handbrake handle, aluminium pedals and Brabus floor mats.
There is also a Coupe version of the Roadster, which has glass roof panels instead of canvas and costs £300 more.
This is the model that I prefer and it comes with the added reassurance of being able to be left securely locked by the roadside at night.
Both cars are great fun and relatively practical for sports cars too, but whilst the Brabus versions are best the huge price hike seems excessive.
FAST FACTS
smart Roadster Brabus
Price: £16,695
Mechanical: 101bhp, 698cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 9.8 secs
Combined mpg: 54.3
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 122g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust