THE striking new generation smart fortwo, priced from £8,780, is on sale now in time for the arrival of the new registration plates in March.

A host of enhancements ensure the new smart is even more appealing than its acclaimed predecessor, providing significant improvements in style, comfort, CO2 emissions and equipment.

And smart is set to be even more of a leading light with the arrival of the smart fortwo lightshine edition.

Based on the passion coupé model, the striking special edition emphasises the enhancements to the latest new generation smart fortwo and reaffirms the cdi model as the CO2 world champion for combustion engine vehicles.

The exterior of the lightshine edition builds on the now standard colour coded front and rear aprons, sideskirts and filler cap of the new passion.

Special to the lightshine edition are the combination of light green matt body panels, LED daytime running lights, colour coded headlamp bezels, lightshine badging and the new pulse three-double spoke alloys in an exclusive paint finish.

As with the latest smart fortwo, the interior of the lightshine edition benefits from new upper dashboard and glovebox designs along with improved materials and new fabric patterns.

The striking special edition also features the passion model's high line navigation system with a new larger touch screen, CD/DVD/SD functionality and iPod interface, while interior finishing touches include a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with paddleshift gear change and floor mats with the ‘lightshine' logo.

Only 86 of the smart fortwo lightshine edition will be produced for the UK and all will feature the groundbreaking 54bhp cdi engine. Using the softip transmission of the pulse, the lightshine edition emits just 86g/km CO2 - the lowest figure in the world for a combustion engine car.

The smart fortwo lightshine edition is priced at £11,405.