Smart #1

Living with this small electric SUV has done nothing to change our minds; it's still among the best of its breed

- Mark Pearson

THE TROUBLE WITH trying to evaluate my Smart #1 is that it's too easy to get wrapped up in talking about its cheeky styling. Admittedly, looks are a subjective thing, but all who saw my car and felt obliged to comment mentioned the exterior design, with these people expressing almost universal approval for its deliberately cheery and cartoon-like lines.

For what it's worth, I approve of its appearance too, but I chose to run a #1 as my company car because I was more interested in finding out if Smart's much-lauded relaunch and move upmarket had been successful. And I'm pleased to report that on the whole, the answer is, yes, it has. This car fulfilled pretty much all I hoped and asked of it in daily use albeit with a few important caveats.

Positives include a terrific driving position, with supportive seats and impressive visibility over that low bonnet. Modern touches such as automatic start, which means you don't have to fumble around for a starter button, added to its ease of use, and I got on well with the gear selector being on a stalk beside the steering wheel instead of between the front seats.

In fact, the interior is a treat, full stop.