Smart Fortwo III coupe (C453) 1.0 (71 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Smart Fortwo:

Smart is a Chinese German automotive marque established in 1994. Smart Automobile Co. , Ltd. is a joint venture established by Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 2019 and aimed at producing Smart-badged cars in China to be marketed globally. The venture is headquartered in Ningbo.
Originally, Smart was known for producing microcars and subcompacts, primarily the Fortwo and Forfour, at Smartville in Hambach, Moselle, France and additionally at Renault's Revoz plant. Since its restructuring in 2019, the brand now produces small battery electric vehicles at a manufacturing plant in China, with distribution, marketing and aftersales activities in Europe handled by Smart Europe GmbH, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III coupe (C453) Overview:

Smart Fortwo (III coupe (C453)). With 91 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~4.7 l/100km). Weighing only 860 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.1 s). The top speed reaches 151 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.0 (71 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate for city driving, but the automatic transmission slightly dulls performance compared to the manual 71hp variant, resulting in slower acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Maintains good fuel efficiency, making it a practical and convenient choice for urban commuters who prioritize ease of driving.

Best Use Case: City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unmatched maneuverability and ease of parking in urban environments.
  • • Surprisingly spacious interior for two occupants.
  • • Good fuel economy across most petrol variants and zero emissions for the EV.
  • • Distinctive and charming styling.
  • • High level of safety for a microcar.

Cons:

  • • Limited luggage space, even with the seats folded.
  • • Choppy ride quality on rougher road surfaces due to short wheelbase.
  • • Some base engines feel underpowered outside of city driving.
  • • Higher purchase price compared to some larger city car competitors.
  • • Not ideal for long highway journeys.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II cabrio (A451): 2012 - 2015).

General:
Brand:Smart
Model:Fortwo
Generation:III coupe (C453)
Modification (Engine):1.0 (71 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2014
End of production:2019
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:71 Hp @ 6000 rpm. [0hp less]
Power per litre:71.1 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:91 Nm @ 2850 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 281.920 More details about the engine M 281.920
Engine displacement:999
Number of cylinders:3
Engine configuration:Inline
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:6.9 l
Engine layout:Rear, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:72.2 mm
Piston Stroke:81.3 mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:4.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:3.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:4.1 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 6
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:15.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:15.1 sec
Maximum speed:151 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.1 kg/Hp, 82.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.5 kg/Nm, 105.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:860
Max. weight:1180
Max load:320
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:350 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:260 l
Fuel tank capacity:28 l
Size:
Ramp-over (brakeover) angle:14.4°
Length:2695 mm [Same length.]
Width:1663 mm [104mm more]
Height:1555 mm [10mm less]
Wheelbase:1873 mm [6mm more]
Front track:1469 mm
Rear (Back) track:1430 mm
Front overhang:424 mm
Rear overhang:398 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):6.95 m [above average]
Approach angle:27.8°
Departure angle:35.9°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size165/65 R15; 185/60 R15
Wheel rims size5.0J x 15; 5.5J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring

Behind the wheel of the Smart Fortwo. How does it handle on the road?