I have a pulse cabrio (convertible) cdi for ca. 18 month and 27000 km now. I love the car. The feeling inside is like in a much bigger car. The diesel runs at 4,5 liter for 100 km. Very cheap on insurance, but the insurance-system here in germany is a little different to the UK i think.
If you are lazy, you'll love the soft-touch, which the passion already has. (automatic mode)
Air-condition is in the passion, too.
Accessories are available for style, safety (sidebags) or comfort (leather), but nothing really essential. The passion has a lot inside.
Servicing costs are not cheap, at least here.

How much is the passion? I think it would be about 12 - 13000 Euros here.
What's the warranty in the UK? We have 2 years. A weak point at Smarts are the turbos, look for oil around it. If it dies, its not so cheap outside of warranty.

Any questions left? feel free to ask...

cheers, Thomas