One thing about a Smart: it's unmistakeable, as instantly recognisable as a Coke bottle or the Nike tick.
So Mercedes-Benz has, very wisely, made sure that the extensively revised, third-generation Smart, released this week in South Africa, looks like a brighter, sharper-edged version of its predecessor, with a fresh interior look, refreshed exterior body panels and (just to give it some PC, you understand) cleaner-running engines.
The tridion safety cell is finished in black on the coupé models and silver on the cabrio; the plastic body panels are available in a choice of seven designer colours, including trendy matt paint for the first time. Optional LED daytime driving lights and special alloy rims make the new Smart even more individual.
The coupé's 52kW, 999cc micro hybrid drive petrol engine now emits only 97g/km, says the maker, while the 62kW version of the same engine in the cabrio warms the planet at a rate of 120g/km.
Mercedes-Benz SA divisional manager Eckart Mayer said: "The Smart brand stands for an intelligent city car with a distinctive design that has made it an automotive icon. It's been redefining urban mobility for more than ten years, combining environmental responsibility and a high fun factor.
"More than 1.2 million Smart ForTwos have been sold since 1998 to customers in 45 countries on five continents, from Argentina to Indonesia."
Customers can now choose from seven exterior colours including a trendy light green matt finish and a new light blue metallic that replaces the previous, deeper blue metallic.
The plastic body panels that previously had a black grain (front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron) can now be ordered in body colour on the entry-level Pure coupé - it's standard on the pulse and the cabrio.
The Pulse coupé also has sporty new three-spoked 15" rims while the cabrio boasts elegant 12-spoked rims in the same diameter.
The instrument panel is now entirely fabric covered, in straight black on the Pure, black with leather-look on the sides of the seat bolsters and head restraints for the Pulse, and patterned fabric in red, black or beige on the cabrio.
For the first time a three-spoked leather steering wheel with cruise control is available as standard for the Pulse and cabrio, and as an option for the Pure model. A trip data computer is also included in the Assistance package (standard on Pulse and cabrio line, optional in the Pure).
Practical details include an optional large stowage box in the lower section of the centre console with a rubber mat and a rubber strap to stop small items such as pens and cellphones from sliding around, and standard seat pockets on the side bolsters between the driver's and passenger's seats.
The tailgate now needs only one hand - it'll open as soon as either of the two release levers is pulled.
The new audio system has both USB and AUX ports for MP3 or CD players with a large, three-line display to help you navigate through the menu functions. There's also a little drawer under the sound system console for coins, pens or cards.
R5500 extra will also get you a surround sound system with a multi-channel (8 x 40W) digital amplifier, tweeters in the mirror triangles, mid-range speakers in the doors, rear-fills in the B pillars and a subwoofer under the driver's seat.
PRICES
Pure coupé - R158 000
Pulse coupé - R175 000
Passion cabrio - R192 000
Prices include a two-year, unlimited distance warranty and a six-year rust perforation warranty.