Electric cars don’t necessarily appeal to car aficionados who lust for speed, though the 2009 Smart Fortwo Brabus does make it to 154 mph, eventually.

Even so, one has to admire the sporty Brabus package that makes the new “smart-car” a wise choice for energy and budget-conscious consumers. 15” front and 17” rear wheels, heated leather seats, brushed aluminum pedals, racing-style instrument panel, and power steering are among the generous set of standard features on this little wonder.

It even has a re-tooled suspension and exhaust system to enhance performance and “vroom” quality in terms of a pleasantly-plump sounding engine, which still has a 3-cylinder 1.0-liter engine that generates a mere 70hp.

The car also comes equipped with a premium stereo system and steering wheel shift paddles on its leather sport steering wheel. At just under 21,000 for the Cabriolet model, young professionals may still find the Fortwo Brabusc irresistible for charm and modern, conservative sex appeal.

Though it certainly won’t win any design awards for attractive automobile styling, the Lumeneo Smera has been turning industry heads for other reasons of late. Visitors to this year’s Top Marques show in Monaco last month got a taste of the Smera’s subtle yet unique footprint that makes its admirers hesitant to believe it can actually achieve its rated top speed of 80 mph.

Coming from a vehicle weighing just 770 lbs. that seats two (though not side by side) and relies solely on two brushless electric motors in the rear-wheel drive train for locomotion, the “hmm’s” sound a little more impressive than usual. The Smera mimics a motorcycle’s tilt angle in motion, leaning up to 20° on either side, and runs about 90 miles on a single charge that requires a 3 to 5-hour plug-in for more juice.

Even so, a $30,000 price tag in U.S. money – given its limited performance level and versatility – is not enough to kick off competitors just yet. Like many electrics and hybrids on the market today, some design improvements may be necessary to stand toe-to-toe with traditional vehicles that are much more versatile.