Review: Smart A451 ForTwo Cabrio (2008-14)

Review: Smart A451.I ForTwo Cabrio (2008-11)

Overview

Released in February 2008, the Smart A451 Series I (A451.I) ForTwo Cabrio was a two-door convertible. Manufactured in Hambach, France, the rear-wheel drive ForTwo Cabrio was available with either a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated or turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine; both engines, however, were mated to a five-speed semi-automatic Getrag transmissions (‘Softip’).

3B21 engines

Manufactured by Mitsubishi, the 1.0-litre 3B21 three-cylinder engines had all-alloy construction, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable intake valve timing (MIVEC) and compression ratios of 10.0:1; For turbocharged models, maximum charge pressure was 0.5 bar (7.25 psi).

From December 2008, the naturally aspirated engines were fitted with Smart’s micro hybrid drive (‘mhd’) technology, which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle’s speed fell below 8 km/h under braking; the engine would then restart when the accelerator was depressed. The system relied upon a belt-driven generator – in place of the conventional starter motor – which could act as a starter and supply the electrical system.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Smart A450 ForTwo Cabrio , the A451 ForTwo Cabrio was 195 mm longer (at 2695 mm), 44 mm wider (1559 mm), 7 mm lower (1542 mm) and had a 55 mm longer wheelbase (1867 mm). Furthermore, the A451 ForTwo Cabrio had wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts and DeDion rear suspension with coil springs.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the ForTwo Cabrio included dual front airbags, side head/thorax airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the ForTwo Cabrio included 15-inch alloy wheels with 155/60 R15 front and 175/55 R15 rear tyres, a two speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, heated rear glass window and trip computer.

The power-operated soft-top roof could be partially retracted in nine seconds and fully opened in fourteen seconds.

Review: Smart A451.II ForTwo Cabrio (2011-14)

Overview

Released in June 2011, the A451 Series II (A451.II) ForTwo Cabrio introduced cosmetic and mechanical updates. Visually, the A451.II ForTwo Cabrio could be identified by its graphite-coloured grille and mirror covers. Inside, there was a new fabric-covered instrument panel, switchgear, instrument cluster and three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Furthermore, modifications to the engine control unit and exhaust system contributed to lower fuel consumption.

Brochure

• Brochure: Smart C451.II ForTwo Coupe and A451.II ForTwo Cabrio (June 2011)
• Brochure: Smart C451.II ForTwo Coupe and A451.II ForTwo Cabrio (October 2013)

Related links

• Specifications: Smart C451.II ForTwo Coupe and A451.II ForTwo Cabrio (May 2014)
• Wikipedia.org: Smart W451 ForTwo