Will sleek Smart #3 remain UK road rarity?

Could low-profile vehicle be ready to hit the mass market, asks Tom Sharpe

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On my approach to our appropriately premium-looking Smart #3 Premium test car it is hard to imagine why we do not see more on UK roads.

Over two years after Smart's relaunch with the more upright #1 model - going all-electric in the process - you are still more likely to spot an aging, two-seat Smart fortwo scurrying along city streets.

Now built by China's Geely, as a part of a partnership with Mercedes, Smart's offerings are a world away from those earlier models.

Prices starting at £33,960, or £40,660 for the mid-range Premium version tested here, align the #3 with Cupra's Born and Volvo's EX30.

The range tops out with a 428bhp, all-wheel-drive Brabus version, which will accelerate to 62mph in under four seconds.