FUNKY and fun - that's the formula for smart's open-top as the DaimlerChrysler outfit moves on from those quirky but increasingly-seen city cars.
The Roadster looks two ways at once, strong echoes of the sporty little 'uns of the Fifties and Sixties being teamed with ultra-modern flavours. As such, it offers a radical alternative to, say, the MX-5.
With its two-tone bodywork and thrusting haunches front and rear, the Roadster readily captures crowds and stares wherever it goes.
Although the engine is at the rear, the car adopts the traditional long bonnet and cabin-back approach and, crouched ever-so-close to the ground, looks a real eager beaver.
Drive it and this proximity to the onrushing road generates a genuine feeling of pace. Even 60mph seems quite quick, so you get the thrills without interesting the cameras.
Not that the smart Roadster is a weakling. The highly-economic three-cylinder 698cc engine behind you may not seem much, but it's turbocharged, sounds good, turns out 80bhp and can take the car to 109mph.
That's because the Roadster carries plenty of punch to the pound - liberal use of aluminium and plastic sections means it weighs in at a meagre 790kg.
Lightweight it may be, but there's protection aplenty for the two occupants via the clearly-visible Tridion safety cell.
Sat so low down (below the level of the sills, which means some suppleness is required to get in and out) puts you at the heart of the centre of gravity, thus enjoying a really in-touch driving experience.
The car grips splendidly and weaves along bendy roads with aplomb and agility. You'll drive the Roadster just for the pleasure of doing so, not because you're going anywhere in particular.
Thus, it is disappointing that smart still hasn't truly sorted out its hesitant automatic gearbox. Improvements have been made but most drivers will quickly take refuge in the sequential shift (you can also have optional steering-wheel paddles).
Even here you need a sympathetic and undemanding touch. Ask too much and you are likely to get a protest from the drive wheels. A 0-62mph time of nearly 11 seconds underlines the fact that the car won't be hurried.
There's an electronic stability programme at work here, involved in traction control, selective brake intervention, cornering brake control and (nice one) hill-start assist. All very worthy but I recommend you try turning the ESP off to sample the car at its best.
You should, of course, also get rid of the top. The winter weather didn't exactly encourage this but in your interests I gave it a limited go.
The canvas roof is electronically rolled back and parked and you can remove the support structure manually and stow it for 100 per cent toplessness (you can also buy in a hard-top removeable roof, which you could use in the very worst of weather and which would also reduce the wind noise you get off canvas).
Parking the roof virtually eliminates what little rear stowage space there is, although some small luggage capacity is provided under the bonnet.
The high-backed sports seats provide good backdraft protection and the car's tight build is evidenced by the absence of scuttle shake in this open mode.
Indeed, comfort levels are fine all round. Space is pretty good, thanks to the wheels-in-corners design, and the ride isn't overfirm.
Kit levels include air conditioning, front airbags, leather grips, radio/ CD player, electric windows, alloys, ABS with brake assist and electronic power steering.
Among the options are sports, safety and comfort packs.
Interior trim options are available, but I liked the jazzy decor of the test car. This is very much in the tradition of the smart city cars and you also get those distinctive, easy-to-read white dial pods.
The Roadster is bright and breezy and, while it is totally impractical if you want to carry more than a couple of Tesco bags, it makes for a great fun second or third car.
FAST FACTS
smart Roadster
Price: £13,513
Mechanical: 80bhp, 698cc, 3 cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-spd sequential/ auto transmission
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 55.4
Insurance group: N/A
CO2 emissions: 121g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 25,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust