Smart has revealed its redesigned Fortwo cabriolet ahead of its global debut later this month in Frankfurt, and hot on the heels of the launch of the Fortwo coupe.

Parent company Mercedes-Benz calls this “three cars in one:” a closed two-seater, a full-fledged convertible, or something in between with the roof peeled back partway to reveal a large sunroof.

The canvas top can be had in blue, red or black, with a grey headliner, while the removable roof bars are painted in the same colour chosen for the tridion structural trim pieces. The electric top opens in 12 seconds (and presumably closes in the same amount of time), and can be operated at any speed, or from outside the car, via the keyless remote.

Benz says the cabrio structure’s torsional strength is up 15 percent over the previous-generation; new this year are standard stability control with crosswind assist and hill-start assist, and forward collision warning and lane keeping assist as options.

We expect the new cabrio to use the same 900-cc, three-cylinder motor as the new coupe and come with the same choice of five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Following the car’s unveiling, Mercedes says the new cabrio will go on sale in mid-February, but we’re not sure if that’s for all markets, or for Europe alone with North American availability to follow later in 2016.

smart fortwo cabrio, passion, white / jupiter red

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