Every morning when I go outside, I can't help but smile because standing there, is the smart mhd, smart's 'hybrid' car. It's the combination of getting into the tiniest (on the outside), cutest car and knowing that I have one up on everyone else because I'm just about to take on the current world climate in a real little eco-warrior.

Smarty-pants

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The smart mhd (micro hybrid drive) has stop/start technology, which as soon as you slow down to 8km/h or less, and your foot is on the brake, the engine cuts out. And then as soon as you take your foot off the brake, it instantly starts up again (the starter generator is belt-driven). This feature, as is the smart car, is especially pertinent to city driving where research has shown that the average car stops every 1.3km. This will give you fuel savings of about 8% - and anything up to 13% if you do a lot of driving in traffic.

Other obvious benefits of the mhd are the reduction in noise pollution (every bit helps) and carbon emissions. You really are doing everyone and everything a big favour by taking up less space and leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint. And you won't believe how many smart-sized parking spots there are around town.

The smart fortwo pure coupe hybrid (mhd) is cheaper than the passion (R180 000) and the pulse (R161 000). This, I was told, was because the engine technology is more simple than for the 'normal' petrols. (I haven't gone all e e cummings on you - this manufacturer just doesn't do capital letters.)

micro hybrid drive

There are a number of things on this little car that are quite unique. Aside from its size, the smart cars (all of them) come with a clutchless transmission that you just tap up and down, easing off the accelerator ever so slightly as you do so. It kicks down if you don't, when you come to a stop but you have to do the kicking up. It takes a bit of getting used to, to get the gearing smooth. And in fact when you take one for a test drive, specifically ask about how to get the gears smooth. This car also has the tiniest wheels I've ever seen on a car (155/60 R 15 front, and 175/55 R 15 back).

One of the most pleasant surprises was how so 'not small' the smart mhd feels on the highway. Most other mini hatches are quite terrifying at high speeds, but while it is the queen of the city cars, it's not afraid of the N1 and feels quite sturdy. Plus the cabin is really spacious; a six-foot guy will have loads of leg and head room. The boot was quite sufficient for my work case (laptop etc), basket (full of useful stuff) and handbag. Just don't go and collect your friend from the airport if she's just been to India on a shopping spree. I like the interior - everything is where it's supposed to be and the storage racks are useful. Although in SA we could do with a closed cubby - which the mhd doesn't have.

The nitty-gritty

Standard across the smart range is ESP (electric stability programme) and full-size front airbags for both occupants (head/thorax airbags optional). The mhd has been very basically specced, with the same features as the smart fortwo pure coupé. The 1-litre engine puts out 52kW, which is fine 97% of the time but decidedly insufficient on the odd occasion when you need power to take a gap in the traffic. The manufacturer's fuel consumption figures sit at 5.4/ 3.8/ 4.3l/100km (urban/ extra-urban/ combined) but I didn't manage those figures - must be the lead in my shoes.

Price: R149 000