Smart has temporarily cut £600 off its Smart & Pulse derivative by offering 250 as a “limited edition' with the same specification. The special price is £6,995.

A spokeswoman denied the offer was because Smart was falling behind its 2001 sales target of 5,000. First-quarter sales reached 700 but sales should rise when right-hand drive versions reach the UK in the autumn.

“Smart's tradition is to offer special editions,” she said.