Micro Compact Car smart GmbH (MCC) burst onto the scene at the turn of the century. After a long drawn out development process the Smart city coupe launched into the market place as the ultimate in urban chic. A tiny two-seater, the cute little car won many hearts based purely on its looks. It was as much of a fashion accessory as a car and its abilities were somewhat overshadowed by that. A spacious, practical and economical solution to the problem of the daily commute or inner city transport, the original Smart city car was as clever as it was cute and chic. Off the back of this success MCC are expanding its range to include a conventional super-mini (the ForFour) and a micro sports cars based on the ethos of the original Smart car.

The Roadster Coupe harks back to the small sports cars of the '60s and is something of a novelty in the marketplace. The Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino have illustrated previously that there is a market for such a car, and the similarities between those and the Smart are striking. Good looks, rear mounted three-cylinder sub 700cc engines and the word "fun" written all over them. Where the Smart differs is in its premium pricing.

Externally the Roadster is hugely different to anything else on the road, definitely not for the shrinking violet as it attracts more attention than any other car I've ever driven. It is highly individual and its relative rarity ensures an audience wherever you go; unsurprisingly kids in particular love it. The other main fan base is the fashion conscious urbanite, the Roadster's target demographic. It looks fun and it looks cool, but I'm not sure if it looks like fifteen grand's worth of car, even with all the optional alloys, fogs etc. But is it fun to drive and live with?

Well get in and you're off to a good start. The interior is snug and well furnished with the optional boost pressure gauge on the dash indicating the car's intent. In spite of its small exterior size the interior offers decent accommodation for two adults, if a little lacking in luggage space. The dash is simple and well laid out and there is the usual electric windows etc. The removable roof panels, which stow nicely on the engine cover in the rear, offer some genuine wind in the hair thrills. The view down the bonnet with the flared arches is classic sports car stuff and enhances the driving experience.

The little 3-cylinder turbocharged engine is a hoot. As you would expect of anything wearing the Mercedes-Benz badge it is fabulously smooth; what you wouldn't expect is the fact that it's full of personality. Turbo lag mars the picture somewhat but its zingy urge is backed up by a linearly torquey nature that belies its displacement. A 0-60mph time of eleven point something seconds doesn't promise big thrills, but due to the short gearing and spin-for-fun engine it feels a lot quicker. The first time I got in I actually thought the speedo had been left in km/h mode; it's no slouch. Upto the legal limit it copes really well and only at motorway speeds does one lack meaningful grunt to nip in and out of gaps. The other benefit of the tiny little engine is its efficiency, 50 plus to the gallon is a credible result indeed in our keener than average hands.

The real treat though is the tunes the engineers have played. The basic sound of the engine is akin to that which a miniaturised Honda NSX unit might make. The layout of the car puts you in the same space as the engine and so it's a very intimate experience. The best thing by a mile though is the waste-gate chatter. The gearbox is worth grappling with just to listen to it and even after a full week with the car we were changing gear for no reason other than to chuckle at the "chirrup" emitted.

I use the word grappling, as the gear change is easily the worst aspect of the driving experience. At best the change is ponderous. In reality it verges on the annoying and obstructive. Using the optional paddles on our test car didn't enhance the experience: a tug on the lever left one counting 1, 2, 3 before the next ratio is engaged. When it does change it comes in with a bang. Feathering the throttle helps but this doesn't eradiate the problem. Downshifts are worse and by the end of the week I didn't bother around town, making use of the function that automatically engages first gear when you come to a halt.

Handling-wise the cornering attitude is usually understeer, which is always going to be the case with so little weight to assist with grip at the front end. It doesn't spoil the fun though as driving the car within its limits still offers lots of laughs. In damp conditions, the large tyres are more of a liability, and the combination of short wheelbase and narrow power band cause the more keen driver to require quick reactions if the traction control is disabled. The steering is a little too light and lacking in feedback and tram-lining can sometimes be an issue, but all in all the little Roadster Coupe stands up to the rigours of spirited driving well. It's around town that it comes into its own though. It really is a cracker and ideal for squeezing through gaps that the less lithe competition can't.

When reading anything about the Smart car, be it the handbook or press releases you quickly become aware of something: Smart is sold as a lifestyle, a brand name that is the ultimate in cool that should nestle comfortably next to Gucci, Smeg and Bang&Olufsen. The Smart Roadster Coupe is the current urban trend champ; nothing else comes close in terms of the expression of hip-ness that the Roadster conveys. This will be more than enough for many to see past the price tag and justify its position outside their city dwelling. In its own way the Smart is very capable and has a place in the modern motoring landscape, indeed such things may become more the norm than the exception as the powers that be try to reduce the opportunities for fun driving on our roads. However, £15k is a frightening amount of money, even for the most individualistic potential buyer. Perhaps I am missing the point here, as the market exists and people who can afford to buy the car won't mind the price: image sweety, it's all about the image. A Mazda MX-5 is a better car, but that will not matter to the target audience.