Smart City Coupé (00-04) - Review

It makes the most of the available space. Although it's only a two-seater, both occupants get plenty of room and - as it's a tall design, there's plenty of headroom. Models with a glass roof benefit from a light and airy interior, however some don't have air-con, which turns the City Coupe into a glasshouse on wheels in the summer.

Luggage space is tight – just enough for a couple of shopping bags in the coupe and even less in the cabriolet.

The steeply raked windscreen allows an MPV-like view forwards and to the sides, but a small rear screen means visibility out of the back is limited. There are a couple of smart characteristics that can take a little while to get used to. The key goes into an ignition switch by the handbrake, not by the steering wheel and you need to have your foot on the brake to get it started. Apart from that the interior is clever, funky and still looks fresh today. A few of the buttons are a bit fiddly to use and some things - like the ashtray - feel a little flimsy, but it's otherwise simple car to drive.