THERE are a lot of "firsts" about the latest edition smart that goes on sale here in September.

For a kick-off it's the first smart with four seats and five doors, then it's the first smart with a diesel engine in the UK, and moving on, it's the first smart with a manual gearbox.

It can also take another first, less important maybe to many, in that it is the first smart to feature in a UK terrestrial television advertising campaign.

Prices start at £7,995 on the road, for a special launch black edition, but if potential buyers are not keen on that, they can opt for either pulse or passion trim levels.

Customers can choose from a range of five engines, including two diesels built by Mercedes-Benz.

The lively 1.1-litre, three cylinder petrol in pulse trim is available from £8,995 on the road, rising to £12,370 on the road for the three cylinder 1.5-litre cdi producing 95bhp in passion trim.

Although the forfour is offering a manual gearbox, smart's softouch automated box remains an option.

Getting back to the television advertising campaign (it started last week) the commercials will focus on smart features such as dent resistant panels, full screen satellite navigation with DVD player, a comfy interior and panoramic glass roof.

In keeping with its bright and breezy approach, there will be a choice of 30 exterior colour combinations.

Incidentally, potential customers worried that the three cylinder car could be a bit underpowered, especially with four-up, can be reassured that the 1.1-litre engine gives the same output as some 1.4-litre units, while at the same time saving on fuel, and with lower carbon emissions.

But there are four cylinder engines available, a 1.3-litre producing 95bhp for £9,995 and a 1.5-litre producing 109bhp, for £10,995 (both in pulse trim), and also in passion trim costing £11,370 and £12,370.

On the road, the smart does attract plenty of glances, and most of them are admiring, as it is a very trendy and chic little car.

Once on the move there is little in the way of engine noise, and you're well insulated from the outside world.

Also, the forfour can give far bigger and more powerful models a good run for their money.

It just wants to be driven all the time.

When you look at the smart you could be forgiven for thinking that you'd not want to run into anything other than another smart.

You're wrong though, for the smart may be small but it has a solid, quality feel and all the usual complement of airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, ABS and so on.

Also, the body is centred on what smart call a Triton cell which is the protection for the passenger cabin and is the 'last resort' in a serious impact after the crumple zones have done their bit.

Updated: 08:52 Friday, July 30, 2004