It was reported that, amazingly enough, a five-year old Smart Fortwo racked up 339,600 miles (543,000km), still running on the original gearbox and three-cylinder engine with only the brakes and clutch having been replaced. These two-seater vehicles have invaded the streets and to date have acquired a trendy outward look.

The Fortwo was built by the Smart division of Mercedes-Benz. The idea behind this vehicle was to minimise body size without compromising comfort, safety or convenience. In fact the Smart Fortwo shows how that concept adds up to complete personal mobility with style.

Since its introduction in 1998, the Smart has clearly taken the world by surprise with an intelligent city car concept that also proffers incomparable safety and comfort features for a vehicle in this category. The Smart models are now selling in more than 700 outlets in 31 countries around the world.

The suprex turbo engine powers the Smart Fortwo Coupe and Smart Fortwo Cabrio with 698 cc of cubic capacity, three cylinders and turbocharger with charge air cooling. It comes available with a power output of 37 kW (50 bhp) or 45 kW (61 bhp) in the Pure, 45 kW (61 bhp) in the Pulse or Passion and 55 kW (75 bhp) in the Brabus. The suprex turbo engines already comply with the exhaust gas standard EU 4, which became law this year.