Smart have taken a hacksaw to their cheeky little city runabout to give us the Smart 'Crossblade'. It's a concept car of course, aimed at fun-loving customers who enjoy open top driving.

The technical features fulfill all the requirements for vehicle approval, so in theory it could make production which would be no bad thing. It looks a distinctly Mediterranean car though, inappropriate for the UK's depressing climate.

Its plastic bodypanels in a striking sporty look come in gloss black finish. They contrast with the matt titanium grey powder-coated finish of the TRIDION safety cell. Polished metal and titanium grey trims predominate inside the vehicle. The seats feature robust upholstery in a firey red.

A three-cylinder turbo engine mounted in front of the rear axle supplies 60bhp and a  maximum torque of 64 lb/ft. The 185/45 R15 tyres are fitted to seven inch wide aluminium wheels.

Despite the missing doors, the steel chassis meets stringent safety requirements. The TRIDION safety cell is reinforced with numerous high-strength bracing plates and features robust aluminium side safety bars instead of doors.