New Smart ForTwo revealed in Paris

The new Smart ForTwo was officially revealed at the Paris Motor Show today, after images of the car leaked on to the Internet earlier this year. It gets a new Smart design 'face', while the Tailor Made model showcases the wide range of customisable options.

As with the old car, the ForTwo has its engine in the rear to allow for more passenger space and a tighter turning circle, and it shares some parts with the new Renault Twingo. The new four-seater Smart ForFour was also revealed today, with similar styling but a more practical five-door body.

Cheap running costs are guaranteed and the Smart will be offered with a choice of two small three-cylinder petrol engines, with 69bhp or 89bhp. Buyers will also be able to choose between a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. New suspension is said to cure the old model’s stiff ride.

Get behind the wheel and you’ll notice a new hi-tech mesh material used in the interior. Meanwhile, owners will be able to connect their smartphones to the car’s infotainment systems. An optional touchscreen will have the ability to display sat nav and app data from a connected mobile device.

Boot space in the ForTwo is up 30 litres on the old car to 260 litres – that's 49 litres more than you get in the larger new MINI.

If it’s speed you’re after, there'll also be a Smart ForTwo Brabus. Brabus is a German company that specialises in tuning Mercedes cars. The ForTwo Brabus has already been spotted testing with a different front grille, a bodykit, big wheels and a twin exhaust. Based on the 89bhp ForTwo, the Brabus is thought to produce more than 110bhp, which could make for an entertaining drive in such a small car. It will be available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Smart will release a soft-top version of the ForTwo shortly after the hard-top model is launched, while an electric ForTwo will offer ultra-low running costs. It's understood to be in development now, but is unlikely to go on sale before 2016.

Prices for the standard ForTwo are likely to start from around £11,000, with the car expected to go on sale in November. For all the latest Smart reviews, visit the Carbuyer Smart reviews page.