The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) 0.7i Brabus, produced between 1999 and 2006, represents the initial generation of the iconic city car. While not officially sold in the United States during its original production run, the Fortwo gained notoriety for its diminutive size and innovative approach to urban mobility. This model, particularly the Brabus variant, aimed to offer a more performance-oriented experience within the constraints of its ultra-compact footprint. The Fortwo was primarily marketed in Europe as a solution to congested city centers, offering ease of parking and relatively efficient transportation for one or two occupants.
Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) 0.7i Brabus: A Detailed Overview
The C450 generation Fortwo established the core design principles that would define the Smart brand for years to come. Its focus on minimalist design, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability set it apart from conventional automobiles. The 0.7i Brabus model was positioned as the sportier iteration, boasting a turbocharged engine and enhanced styling cues. It quickly became a popular choice for those seeking a unique and practical vehicle for navigating urban environments.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Smart Fortwo Coupe 0.7i Brabus is a 698 cc (42.59 cubic inches) inline-three cylinder engine. This compact powerplant, designated M 160.920, is turbocharged, allowing it to produce 75 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 110 Nm (81.13 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2200 rpm. This translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 107.4 hp/l. The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine’s rear-mounted, transverse layout contributes to the car’s unique handling characteristics. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 11.7 seconds, while 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is achieved in 12.3 seconds. The Fortwo Brabus has a top speed of 150 km/h (93.21 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l). Urban fuel consumption is 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l), and extra-urban consumption is 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l).
Design & Features
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) is a two-seat, three-door coupe characterized by its exceptionally short length of 2500 mm (98.43 inches). Its width is 1515 mm (59.65 inches) and height 1549 mm (60.98 inches). The car’s design prioritizes functionality and space efficiency. The Brabus variant typically featured distinctive styling elements, including unique alloy wheels, a sporty body kit, and upgraded interior trim. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Fortwo’s small size and tight turning radius made it exceptionally easy to maneuver and park in crowded urban environments. The interior, while minimalist, was designed to maximize space for occupants and a modest amount of cargo. The fuel tank capacity is 33 liters (8.72 US gallons, 7.26 UK gallons).
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Fortwo |
| Generation | Fortwo Coupe (C450) |
| Type (Engine) | 0.7i Brabus (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 2200 rpm (81.13 lb.-ft. @ 2200 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 | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| 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 Architecture | 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 | 175/50 R16; 205/45 R16 |
The Smart Fortwo Coupe (C450) 0.7i Brabus, despite never achieving widespread sales in the United States, remains a significant vehicle in the history of urban mobility. Its innovative design and focus on efficiency paved the way for future generations of Smart vehicles and influenced the development of other microcars. The Brabus variant, with its enhanced performance, offered a unique driving experience within the constraints of its diminutive size, appealing to a niche market seeking a distinctive and practical city car.
