The Smart ForTwo wasn't exactly an environment killer to start with, yet for its mid-life update it's been given an electric gift - a mild hybrid system.
The Micro Hybrid Drive (MHD) technology developed for the diminutive city car is a stop/start system with a slight difference. Instead of cutting the engine out only when the car is at a complete standstill, it does so at speeds below 5mph when the driver is braking, so the engine is inactive for as long as possible. It restarts instantly when the brake pedal is released, thanks to a large electric starter motor.
The system is standard on both the 61bhp and 71bhp versions of the ForTwo coupe and cabriolet, and Smart claims improvements in fuel consumption of up to 24 percent. And at 103g/km of CO2, the MHD Smart falls just shy of the zero-charge VED band A. Still, £20 per year road tax isn't bad.
The mid-life refresh means the Smart now has a few other new features too, including a redesigned instrument cluster, new storage pockets, some new interior and exterior colours and, for maximum bling, chrome wheels. It's available now, priced from £7,060.
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