Britain's first official smart centre will open for business on October 17.

All dedicated smart sales centres will be owned by DaimlerChrysler UK, and promise a new ownership experience.

Customers will be able to visit a 'virtual' sales centre using their PC at home, where they can request a test drive, choose the specification and order online. The first centre will be close to Green Park tube station in Piccadilly, London, with others in Birmingham and Milton Keynes.