Overview

Released in November 2003, the Smart Roadster was a two-seat convertible. Manufactured in Hambach, France, the mid-engined and rear-wheel drive Roadster was powered by a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission.

Suprex M160E07LA engine

The R452 Cabrio was powered by Suprex-designed 698 cc M160E07LA engines which had aluminium construction, a Garrett GT12 turbocharger (providing peak boost pressure of 1 bar), a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, two spark plugs per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

With a kerb weight of 790 kg, the R452 Roadster could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds.

Body and dimensions

Based on an extended C450 ForTwo platform, the R452 Roadster was 3427 mm long, 1615 mm wide, 1192 mm tall and had a 2360 mm long wheelbase. In addition to its power-operated folding soft-top roof – which could be operated even when driving at top speed – the Roadster was also offered with a two-piece removable plastic hardtop that could be stowed in the rear luggage compartment.

Suspension

The Smart Roadster had wishbone front suspension with McPherson struts and DeDion rear suspension with wishbone coil springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Smart Roadster included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control and traction control.

Features

Standard features for the Smart Roadster included 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres, a two speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking and power windows.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Smart R452 Roadster

Review: Smart C451.I ForTwo Coupe (2008-11)

Overview

Released in February 2008, the Smart C451 Series I (C451.I) ForTwo Coupe was a light, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Hambach, France, the rear-wheel drive ForTwo Coupe 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 C450 ForTwo Coupe , the C451 ForTwo Coupe 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 C451 ForTwo Coupe had wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts and DeDion rear suspension with coil springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the ForTwo Coupe included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted head/thorax airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Smart Fortwo – equipped with dual front airbags but not front side airbags as per Australian-delivered models – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.83 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for both front occupants. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious head and chest injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the ForTwo Coupe 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, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, remote central locking, power windows, a cargo blind, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Review: Smart C451.II ForTwo Coupe (2011-14)

Overview

Released in June 2011, the C451 Series II (C451.II) ForTwo Coupe introduced cosmetic and mechanical updates. Visually, the C451.II ForTwo Coupe could be identified by its black grille, black fog lights surrounds and black 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.

2011 Smart ForTwo Night Orange

In July 2011, a limited-run Night Orange variant was released. Compared to the standard ForTwo Coupe, the Night Orange featured a four speaker sound system, black Nappa leather upholstery and fabrics with orange racing stripes, heated front seats, power adjustable and heated mirrors and floor mats with orange stitching. Visually, the Night Orange could be identified by its black 15-inch alloy wheels, ‘Night Orange’ paint finish and front fog lights with titanium-coloured surrounds.

Brochures

• 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

Overview

Released in January 2004, the Smart C450 ForTwo Coupe was a light, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Hambach, France, the rear-wheel drive ForTwo Coupe was powered by a 698cc turbocharged three cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. Initially released in Australia as the City-Coupe , the ‘ForTwo Coupe’ name was adopted from 2004; the related A450 Cabrio and A450 ForTwo Cabrio have been reviewed separately.

Suprex M160E07LA engine

The ForTwo Coupe was powered by Suprex-designed 698 cc M160E07LA engines which had aluminium construction, a Garrett GT12 turbocharger, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, two spark plus per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

Dimensions and suspension

The C450 ForTwo Coupe was 2500 mm long, 1515 mm wide, 1549 mm tall and had a 1812 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the ForTwo Coupe had wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts and DeDion rear suspension with wishbone coil springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the ForTwo Coupe included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2000 Smart City-Coupe – as it was then known – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21.84. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver, while chest protection was weak for the front passenger. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious abdomen injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the ForTwo Coupe included 15-inch alloy wheels with 145/65 R15 front and 175/55 R15 rear tyres, a two speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows, a tinted glass roof and an immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Smart W450 ForTwo

Overview

Released in January 2004, the Smart A450 ForTwo Cabrio was a two-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Hambach, France, the rear-wheel drive Cabrio was powered by a 698cc turbocharged three cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. Initially marketed in Australia as the Cabrio , the model name was changed to ForTwo Cabrio for 2004; the related C450 City-Coupe and C450 ForTwo Coupe have been reviewed separately.

Suprex M160E07LA engine

The A450 ForTwo Cabrio was powered by Suprex-designed 698 cc M160E07LA engines which had aluminium construction, a Garrett GT12 turbocharger, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, two spark plus per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

Dimensions and suspension

The A450 ForTwo Cabrio was 2500 mm long, 1515 mm wide, 1549 mm tall and had a 1812 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the ForTwo Cabrio had wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts and DeDion rear suspension with wishbone coil springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the ForTwo Cabrio included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control and traction control.

Features

Standard features for the ForTwo Cabrio included 15-inch alloy wheels, a two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking and power windows.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Smart W450 ForTwo

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

Overview

Released in June 2003, Smart C450 City-Coupe was a light, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Hambach, France, the rear-wheel drive City-Coupe was powered by a 698cc turbocharged three cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. Initially marketed in Australia as the ‘City-Coupe’, the model name from 2004 was ForTwo Coupe ; the related A450 Cabrio and A450 ForTwo Cabrio have been reviewed separately.

Suprex M160E07LA engine

The City-Coupe was powered by Suprex-designed 698 cc M160E07LA engines which had aluminium construction, a Garrett GT12 turbocharger, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, two spark plus per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

Dimensions and suspension

The C450 City-Coupe was 2500 mm long, 1515 mm wide, 1549 mm tall and had a 1812 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the City-Coupe had wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts and DeDion rear suspension with wishbone coil springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Smart City-Coupe included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2000 Smart City-Coupe received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21.84. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver, while chest protection was weak for the front passenger. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious abdomen injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the Smart City Coupe included 15-inch alloy wheels with 145/65 R15 front and 175/55 R15 rear tyres, a two speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and a tinted glass roof.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Smart W450 ForTwo

Overview

Released in October 2004, the Smart W454 ForFour was a five-door, four-seat hatchback. Manufactured in Born, Netherlands, the front-wheel drive ForFour was available with 1.3- and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines that were mated to either five-speed manual or six-speed semi-automatic transmissions (‘softouch plus’). In 2006, the range was expanded with a turbocharged Brabus variant.

4A90, 4A91 and 4G15 engines

For the standard ForFour, the 1.3-litre (4A90) and 1.5-litre (4A91) four-cylinder petrol engine had die-cast aluminium blocks and heads, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

The Brabus variant, however, was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre (4G15) engine which had a cast iron block and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. Whereas the standard ForFour engines were designed for premium unleaded petrol (95 RON), the Brabus engine was designed for 98 RON unleaded petrol but could be operated on 95 RON.

Dimensions and suspension

Sharing its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi RG Colt , the W454 ForFour was 3752 mm long, 1684 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2500 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the ForFour had electric power steering, MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Smart ForFour included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2005 ForFour received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25.83. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver and there was a slight risk of serious chest injury. Furthermore, there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the driver in the side impact test.

Features

Standard features for the Smart ForFour included 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/50 R15 tyres, a two speaker sound system with CD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, 60/40 split and folding rear seats (with fore and aft slide adjustment), remote central locking, power front windows, tinted glass roof, an alarm and immobiliser. For models fitted with the semi-automatic transmission, steering wheel gearshift paddles were available as an option.

The 1.5-litre models were further equipped with a four speaker sound system, a multi-function steering wheel and trip computer.

Smart ForFour Brabus

Released in April 2006, the Brabus variant was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/40 R17 front and 225/35 R17 rear Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, leather seats, heated front seats, front fog lamps, heated mirrors, power rear windows, sunroof, height adjustable driver’s seat and cargo cover. Visually, the Brabus variants could be identified by their larger front spoiler, two diamond mesh grille inserts, side skirts, rear diffuser, chrome-plated double-pipe exhaust and roof spoiler.

The 4G15 engine delivered 90 per cent of its maximum tractive power in the range of 2300-5700 rpm. As such, the ForFour Brabus could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Furthermore, the suspension was modified with reinforced wishbones, shorter springs (30 mm shorter at the front and 28 mm shorter at the rear), larger supporting joints and new wheel hubs with stronger brake caliper brackets.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Smart W454 ForFour

Overview

Released in June 2003, the Smart A450 Cabrio was a two-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Hambach, France, the rear-wheel drive Cabrio was powered by a 698cc turbocharged three cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. Initially marketed in Australia as the ‘Cabrio’, the model name from 2004 was ForTwo Cabrio ; the related C450 City-Coupe and C450 ForTwo Coupe have been reviewed separately.

M160E07LA engine

The City Cabrio was powered by Suprex-designed 698 cc M160E07LA engines which had aluminium construction, a Garrett GT12 turbocharger, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, two spark plus per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

Dimensions and suspension

The A450 Cabrio was 2500 mm long, 1515 mm wide, 1549 mm tall and had a 1812 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the A450 Cabrio had wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts and DeDion rear suspension with wishbone coil springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Smart Cabrio included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control and traction control.

Features

Standard features for the Smart Cabrio included 15-inch alloy wheels with 145/65 R15 front and 175/55 R15 rear tyres, a two speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking and power windows.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Smart W450 ForTwo

Recalls: Smart R452 Roadster

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Smart R452 Roadster

No recall information is available for the Smart R452 Roadster. To search for recalls of Smart models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Smart.

Problems and faults: Smart R452 Roadster

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Smart R452 Roadster

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Smart R452 Roadster.

Recalls: Smart A451 ForTwo Cabrio

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Smart ForTwo Cabrio

2010-14 Smart ForTwo: short circuit and fire hazard

In September 2014, a recall was issued for Smart ForTwo vehicles that were available for sale from 1 August 2010 to 1 June 2014. In these vehicles, wiring may cause the heater shut-off valve to overheat – in extreme circumstances, this could result in a short circuit, posing a potential fire hazard (PRA 2014/14309).

2014 Smart ForTwo: reduced steering control

In June 2015, a recall was issued for Smart ForTwo vehicles that were available for sale from 1 January 2014 to 1 August 2014. In these vehicles, the steering rack may have been secured to the vehicle cross member with incorrect bolts. These bolts could break and, if this occurred, reduced steering control would pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2015/14738).

Problems and faults: Smart A451 ForTwo Cabrio

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items identified below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Smart ForTwo: engine harness routing

In 2011, Mercedes-Benz UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Smart ForTwo vehicles because the routing of the engine wiring harness may not have been to specification (NCA/2011/016); no further information was provided.

Smart A451 ForTwo Cabrio: other problems and faults

• The air conditioner may not maintain proper cooling due to a faulty temperature control module.
• The underside edges of the steel roof bars are susceptible to corrosion.