Measuring almost a metre longer than the fortwo coupe, the for-us uses its sibling’s magneto-electric motor to offer a lag-free 74bhp and 96lb.ft for swift overtaking and a top speed of over 75mph. Two smart ebikes can be recharged in the rear load area, allowing the driver and passenger to extend the journey beyond where a conventional car can travel.

Smart said the concept is aimed at ‘the young and young at heart’, and as a result the hammock-style seats can be stripped of their covers and colour-coded to match parts of the dashboard. Short overhangs and chunky wheelarches give the tiny pickup added presence, while the tailgate retracts electrically under the load area for easy access.

Dr. Annette Winkler, smart chief executive officer, said: ‘We at smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable. With the smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!'