The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) 0.8d, produced from 2007 to 2014, represents a unique offering in the microcar segment. While not officially sold in the United States during its production run, the Fortwo gained notoriety for its diminutive size and focus on urban mobility. This particular variant, powered by a small-displacement diesel engine, was primarily marketed in Europe as an efficient and practical city car. The A451 generation marked a significant evolution for the Fortwo, building upon the success of the original City-Coupe and offering an open-air experience with the Cabriolet model. Its appeal lay in its ease of parking, low running costs, and distinctive styling.
Smart Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) 0.8d: An Overview
The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) 0.8d is a two-seater, rear-wheel-drive city car designed for maximum maneuverability and fuel efficiency. The “A451” designation refers to the internal model code used by Smart. The 0.8d indicates the engine displacement and fuel type – a 0.8-liter diesel engine. This model was a key part of Smart’s strategy to provide a solution to urban congestion and parking challenges, particularly in densely populated European cities. The Cabriolet version added a retractable soft top, enhancing the driving experience during favorable weather conditions. The car’s compact dimensions and relatively low weight contributed to its fuel economy and nimble handling.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Smart Fortwo II Cabrio 0.8d is a 799cc inline three-cylinder diesel engine, designated OM 660.950. This engine produces 45 horsepower and boasts a power-to-liter ratio of 56.3 hp/l. While modest by conventional standards, the engine’s turbocharger and intercooler help to deliver usable torque for city driving. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The engine’s small displacement and common rail diesel injection system contribute to impressive fuel economy figures. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 3.4 liters per 100 kilometers (69.2 US mpg or 83.1 UK mpg). The Fortwo 0.8d has a maximum speed of 135 km/h (83.89 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 17.3 kg/Hp allows for surprisingly agile performance in urban environments. The engine’s 18.5:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, optimizing combustion efficiency.
Design & Features
The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio is instantly recognizable for its incredibly compact dimensions. Measuring 2695 mm (106.1 inches) in length and 1559 mm (61.38 inches) in width, it’s significantly smaller than most other passenger vehicles. The two-door Cabriolet body style features a retractable soft top, allowing for open-air driving. The car’s design prioritizes functionality and practicality. The interior is minimalist, focusing on providing comfortable seating for two occupants. Safety features, while limited by the car’s size, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Trunk space ranges from 220 liters (7.77 cu. ft.) to 340 liters (12.01 cu. ft.) depending on the configuration. The Fortwo’s rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout contributes to its unique handling characteristics and allows for a relatively spacious interior given its overall size. The car’s kerb weight of 780 kg (1719.61 lbs) further enhances its agility.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Fortwo |
| Generation | Fortwo II cabrio (A451) |
| Type (Engine) | 0.8d (45 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 US mpg, 80.7 UK mpg, 28.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.3 l/100 km (71.3 US mpg, 85.6 UK mpg, 30.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.4 l/100 km (69.2 US mpg, 83.1 UK mpg, 29.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.3 kg/Hp, 57.7 Hp/tonne |
| Power | 45 Hp |
| Power per litre | 56.3 Hp/l |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 660.950 |
| Engine displacement | 799 cm3 (48.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 65.5 mm (2.58 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.7 l (2.85 US qt | 2.38 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 780 kg (1719.61 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1050 kg (2314.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 270 kg (595.25 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 220 l (7.77 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 340 l (12.01 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 33 l (8.72 US gal | 7.26 UK gal) |
| Length | 2695 mm (106.1 in.) |
| Width | 1559 mm (61.38 in.) |
| Height | 1542 mm (60.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 1867 mm (73.5 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 155/60 R15; 175/55 R15 |
The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio 0.8d, while never a mainstream vehicle in the United States, remains a compelling example of innovative automotive engineering focused on urban mobility. Its compact size, fuel efficiency, and unique design continue to attract a dedicated following, particularly in Europe, where it successfully addressed the challenges of city driving and parking.
