Topless Smart ForTwo spotted

Smart's third-generation ForTwo and revived ForFour will arrive in South Africa later in 2015. Spy photographers spotted a new convertible version undergoing testing at Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart developing centre, Germany.

Like its predecessor, the new Smart cabriolet will feature a canvas top that folds down onto the engine cover while the two bars over the side windows can – but don’t have to be – retracted manually.

Expect the new ForTwo convertible to make its debut late in 2015 or early 2016.

NEXT-GEN SMART CAR

The new ForTwo measures 2.6m long, 1.6m wide, 1.5m tall with a 1.8m wheelbase. The ForFour has the same width and height as the ForTwo but is 3.4m long with a wheelbase of 2.4m to accommodate four people and a 975-litre boot - if the optional reversible cushions are specified.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Smart ForTwo convertible

Both versions have a choice of two three-cylinder engines; a 999cc and a turbocharged 898cc. The first generates 52kW/91Nm, the turbo 66kW/135Nm. Either can be mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed dual clutch transmission.

The engine range will be augmented in 2015 with a petrol engine rated at 45kW.