And yet, despite the butt naked pretensions, the Light still comes with ABS, ESP, remote locking, 'leccy windows and of course that six-speed semi-manual gearbox that keen drivers are somehow morally obliged not to like. Except, it's really not that bad. In fact, there's a lingering suspicion that Smart is quietly but constantly improving the 'box's programming because this car seemed better than any previous example, including evo's own long-term Roadster Brabus, to the point where the irksome moments of dithering and jerk were almost none.

All the better to enjoy that 698cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine, growling away behind your head. Actually growling is the wrong word. It sounds too scary, and the Roadster isn't that. Imagine the noise a baby dragon in a Disney cartoon would make and you're probably about there. Then in the sequel he's grown up to be a friendly giant or, in the case of the car, a Porsche 911. However, for the time being it's just feisty, but loveable. Ahhh.

And that's this car all over. By stripping out some of the trimmings, Smart has thrown the Roadster's charms into sharper relief. No, it's not actually that fast and no, it doesn't handle so much as just grip, but frankly none of this really matters. It's cool, it's sparky, it's great in town where, if you're stuck for a parking space you could probably just find a Range Rover and stick it underneath, it feels far faster than it is and it makes you smile, whatever speed you're doing.

So there you are: the low fat Smart Roadster Light, the sports car you can drive between speed cameras without ruining your licence.