The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) 0.7 i, produced between 1998 and 2006, represents the initial foray into the microcar segment by the then-new Smart automobile brand. A joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch, Smart aimed to revolutionize urban transportation with a vehicle designed for maximum space efficiency and maneuverability. The Fortwo, as its name suggests, is a two-seater coupe intended primarily for city driving, offering a unique solution to parking and congestion challenges. While not officially sold in the United States during its initial production run, the Fortwo gained significant attention for its innovative design and became a popular city car throughout Europe.
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450): A Pioneering Microcar
The C450 generation Fortwo was the first iteration of the model, establishing the core principles that would define the Smart brand for years to come. It was conceived as a response to growing urban density and the need for a vehicle that could navigate tight spaces with ease. The Fortwo’s diminutive size, coupled with its relatively efficient engine, made it an attractive option for commuters and city dwellers. Its unique styling, a blend of rounded edges and a high roofline, also helped it stand out from conventional automobiles. The vehicle’s focus was not on outright performance, but on practicality and ease of use within an urban environment.
Engine & Performance
The 1998-2006 Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) 0.7 i is powered by a 698 cc (42.59 cubic inches) inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, designated M 160.920. This engine produces 50 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 80 Nm (59 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1800 rpm. While modest by contemporary standards, this powertrain was designed for fuel efficiency rather than high performance. The engine features multi-port manifold fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. A key feature of later iterations of this engine (though not initially in the C450) was the addition of a turbocharger, significantly boosting power output. The C450’s engine delivers a power-to-liter ratio of 71.6 hp/l. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 18.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 17.4 seconds. The top speed is limited to 135 km/h (83.89 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 16.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 10.1 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) is a three-door coupe designed to accommodate two passengers. Its compact dimensions – 2500 mm (98.43 in) in length, 1515 mm (59.65 in) in width, and 1549 mm (60.98 in) in height – are central to its appeal. The wheelbase measures 1812 mm (71.34 in). The vehicle’s body structure incorporates a high-strength steel safety cell, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The interior, while minimalist, was designed to maximize space utilization. The Fortwo’s rear engine layout contributes to its unique handling characteristics and allows for a relatively spacious cabin despite its overall small size. The fuel tank capacity is 33 liters (8.72 US gallons), and the kerb weight is 805 kg (1774.72 lbs), with a maximum weight of 990 kg (2182.58 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 185 kg (407.86 lbs). Tire sizes available were 145/65 R15 and 175/55 R15.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Fortwo |
| Generation | Fortwo Coupe (C450) |
| Type (Engine) | 0.7 i (50 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 18.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 18.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 17.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 50 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 80 Nm @ 1800 rpm (59 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 160.920 |
| Engine displacement | 698 cm3 (42.59 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 66.5 mm (2.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 67 mm (2.64 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.1 l (3.28 US qt | 2.73 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 805 kg (1774.72 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 990 kg (2182.58 lbs.) |
| Max load | 185 kg (407.86 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 33 l (8.72 US gal | 7.26 UK gal) |
| Length | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Width | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Height | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 1812 mm (71.34 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 145/65 R15; 175/55 R15 |
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) 0.7 i, despite its limited performance, remains a significant vehicle in automotive history. It demonstrated the viability of the microcar concept and paved the way for future generations of Smart vehicles, continuing to address the challenges of urban mobility. Its innovative design and focus on efficiency continue to resonate with drivers seeking a practical and environmentally conscious transportation solution.
