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DaimlerChrysler's Smart brand will have two hot Fortwos in Europe, one in UK

It was only earlier this month that we got our first taste of Smart's new Fortwo city car, but today, DaimlerChrysler issued the first pictures of that car's simmeringly hot, bountifully equipped Brabus spin-offs.That's spin-offs not spin-off, because this time around (for Europeans at least) there will be two hot Fortwos – the Brabus and a new, more expensive and more generously equipped Brabus Xclusive.Even the 'ordinary' Brabus should be something pretty remarkable. Mercedes' Bottrop tuners have found 30 per cent more power than they did last time; that means this rear-engined 780kg city car will have 98bhp to call upon, giving it as strong a power-to-weight ratio as a Ford Fiesta ST.The Fortwo Brabus will major on dynamic appeal. It'll do 62mph in less than 10 seconds, and is electronically limited to a maximum speed of 96mph. It also sits on a chassis that's cradles it more firmly than the standard car, and 15mm closer to the tarmac.The Xclusive model will get the same mechanicals as the standard Brabus, but on top of the standard Brabus' wider rear arches, bigger monoblock alloy wheels, sports exhaust and extended rear apron, it will get a bigger front spoiler, side skirts, 'tinted headlights', and it'll come in a choice of silver or black paint. Inside it gets heathed leather seats, a unique three-spoke steering wheel, Brabus floor mats and side airbags as standard.There's bad news if you wanted to save a few quid by opting for the cheaper, stealthier version though; DaimlerChrysler UK is only going to off the Brabus Xclusive model here, likely just badged 'Brabus'. It'll be on sale late in the autumn, probably for an eye-watering £13,000.

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Car review

The Smart Fortwo is a unique proposition. Its emotional appeal is unquestionable and it is one of the most novel and innovative cars available.

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