IT's racy, curvaceous and 1960s inspired. Maybe smart should have called it Marilyn because their cute roadster could become as much an icon as the Hollywood superstar.
It packs 80bhp which sounds more like a petrol mower, but it is still a pocket rocket.
It sits so low to the ground it is more like a go-kart and to some of the more well-rounded among us, to get in an out would require a block and tackle. But three words sum up this funky smart - fun, fun fun.
This stylish machine, which is sold in garish bright livery, catches the eye with two rising front pods which house innovative looking lights and a racy rear end.
The mid-mounted engine generates a throaty rasp roar under acceleration, but it is surprisingly quiet on the road and wind noise is kept to a minimum.
Comfort is also surprisingly good and it is a bonus to drive a roadster that doesn't feel like it will rattle your fillings out.
The real fun comes on the bends where it corners with superb agility. The sporty seats grip you firmly but comfortably as you take it to the limit.
Acceleration is swift. The standing 0-60mph sprint takes just over 10 seconds, but because the car is so low-slung if feels much quicker.
The controls are easy to use if minimal in look and there is even enough room for a cleverly concealed drinks holder.
The coupe version has two removable hard roof panels, which split down the centre.
Simply click the internal hooks and the roof lifts off in a jiffy. It is stowed in two holders in a space behind the driver that I thought doubled as a stingy boot.
At first glance it looks like that is all the stowage space available, but some detective work reveals a latch located in the glove box. This opens the front to reveal a very large boot space. It's not going to swallow up all the Christmas gifts, but it did take four full shopping bags comfortably.
Safety specification is impressive, but it should be for a range that starts at nearly 12 grand and peaks at over £16,000.
A state-of-the-art electronic stability and braking system will keep you firmly fixed to the road - even with rear-wheel drive.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can switch off the Electronic Stability Programme to test your cornering skills
The roadsters also come with twin and side airbags and equipment levels are generous.
Standard models boast CD player, central locking, electric windows and traction control.
The top-of-the-range 100bhp Brabus adds alloys, side skirts, air con and electric roof for the soft-top.
One or two things could be improved like the location of the key fob, which sits very close to the central gear shift. In semi automic mode there may be a tendency to brush against the ignition key.
I have never been a fan of the smart semi-automatic box. Admittedly some of the jerkiness has disappeared from the transmission, but it is still a snatchy gearchange which takes some time to master.
The Roadster Light is also light on certain creature comforts, particularly the alloy wheels. The ugly steel wheels look particularly odd against the sport trim of the rest of the car. But this brings the price down to below £12,000. Still not cheap, but the small engine and light bodyweight means economy of around 50mpg can offset some of the initial financial pain.
Roadster buyers don't buy a car for space, they rarely buy one for spec, but they do buy it for a smile - something the roadster guarantees.
FAST FACTS
smart Roadster Light
Price: £11,995
Mechanical: 80bhp, 698cc, 3-cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via fully automatic and semi automatic transmission
Max Speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 55.4
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 121g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs unlimited mileage, 6yrs anti perforation and 1yr breakdown