- Economical 1.0-litre three-cylinder engines
- Comfortable front seats
- Compact size makes for easy parking
- Short-travel suspension lacks compliance
- Steering wheel kickback over bumps
- Brake pedal has a high position and is heavy to operate
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- In automatic mode, semi-automatic transmission provides jerky gearshifts
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.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ForTwo Coupe | 1.0-litre petrol I3 | 5sp semi-auto | 52 kW at 5800 rpm | 92 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| 1.0-litre turbo petrol I3 | 5sp semi-auto | 62 kW at 5250 rpm | 120 Nm at 3250 rpm |
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.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ForTwo Coupe | 1.0-litre petrol I3 | 5sp semi-auto | 52 kW at 5800 rpm | 92 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| 1.0-litre turbo petrol I3 | 5sp semi-auto | 62 kW at 5250 rpm | 120 Nm at 3250 rpm |
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
