The Smart range of micro cars will be expanded from April with the launch of the Roadster and Roadster-coupe.

The two-seaters, featuring soft and hard-top roofs, are expected to offer better ride and handling than the City Coupe. ESP will be standard. Prices are likely to start at around £11,000, undercutting likely rivals like the Mazda MX-5 and MGTF.

To coincide with the launch, DaimlerChrysler will unveil a new logo for its Micro Compact Car division and a new slogan - 'open your mind' - ready for the launch of more products, including a four-seater model.