MICRO machine the smart fortwo will boast a striking new look when facelifted models hit the road in April.

The city car's more dynamic appearance features a larger radiator grille with integrated logo,  horizontal LED daytime driving lights, muscular side skirts and modified rear aprons.

There is also a choice of three new alloy wheels while the latest colour palette comprises seven options including matt anthracite for the first time, while the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive is now also optionally available in white.

While the main focus of the revamp is on the exterior, there are changes inside the car too - like a new interior package in crystal grey, including a fresh leather/fabric combination for the seats and black imitation leather for the instrument panel.

The spec grades of pure, pulse, passion, BRABUS and BRABUS Xclusive are retained - along with the existing engine line-up of 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol units plus the 54bhp 0.8-litre diesel.

More than 1.3 million smart fortwos have been delivered to customers since the first model was launched in 1998 and 101,996 cars were handed over to customers worldwide in 2011 - 4.6 per cent more than in the previous year.

Prices begin at £8,500 for the smart fortwo 60bhp pure model.