THE colourful and rather eccentric smart car range does not believe in a conventional approach to motoring.

Latest arrivals are the V6 Brabus roadster-coup and Brabus forfour, together with a line-up of special edition forfour models. The term Brabus is recognition of the styling and engine tuning by Brabus, a specialist German company

First off the start line is the racy Brabus RCR, a limited edition so limited that in fact there will be only 50 models available worldwide.

It features bespoke racing red body panels and silver tridion, and to complete its sleek looks the front and rear grille and rear roof spoiler are also in racing red.

The engine packs a punch, with a retrofit Brabus SB2 power upgrade kit, bumping the power output to 111bhp.

Inside, the cabin is furnished with hand-finished Brabus leather and Alcantara sports seats, trimmed with stitching to match the racing red exterior. Brabus has added an aluminium gearshift, handbrake handle and pedal pads, three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shift, and Brabus floor mats.

It is the special relationship with Brabus that allows smart to build bespoke tailored vehicles and to bring them to market at the best possible prices.

The RCR roadster-coupe costs £17,295 on the road.

More than 1,000 roadster models have been sold in this country this year, taking total sales to 5,561.

Despite this relative success, production of the roadster is to stop, and those who study such things, reckon it will become a classic, collectable sports car.

The two new smart forfour models are designed to give customers more choice.

There are already five models in the line-up, all badged "passion" and offering power packs from 75bhp to 109bhp from either 1.1-litre, 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol units or 1.5-litre cdi units.

The new models are the five-seater forfour coolstyle and purestyle.

Coolstyle offers six distinctive colour schemes, as well as one or two other premium features such as alloy wheels and air conditioning, height adjustable driver's seat and, new to the forfour range, a luggage cover, which works with the sliding rear seat. It costs £8,595 on the road, and is expected to be the volume seller for the brand.

The entry-level model in the range has been reduced by £700, following the arrival of the other new model, the purestyle. This model costs £7,295 on the road.

With a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing an impressive 177bhp, the forfour Brabus is the most powerful model in the family. It costs £17,195. The car's distinctive looks include Brabus exterior body styling, with spoiler, side skirts, sports exhaust, and 17-inch Brabus alloy wheels.

The engine is capable of sending the car from 0-62mph in 6.9-seconds.

Dealer: Mercedes-Benz York, Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York (01904 694000).

Updated: 12:48 Friday, July 01, 2005