The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) 1.0i, produced from 2007 to 2014, represents a unique offering in the microcar segment. Primarily sold in Europe, the Fortwo aimed to revolutionize urban mobility with its incredibly compact size and fuel efficiency. While never officially sold in large numbers in the United States, it gained a cult following among those seeking a minimalist and practical city car. The A451 generation, specifically the Cabriolet version, offered open-air driving enjoyment in a package that could easily navigate congested city streets and park in spaces other cars couldn’t even consider. This article details the technical specifications, design, and market position of this distinctive vehicle.
Smart Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) 1.0i: An Overview
The Smart Fortwo II, launched in 2007, was the successor to the original Fortwo (A450). The A451 generation brought significant improvements in safety, performance, and refinement. The Cabriolet variant, distinguished by its retractable soft top, added a layer of fun and freedom to the already unique driving experience. The 1.0i model, powered by a 999cc three-cylinder engine, was the entry-level option, prioritizing fuel economy and affordability. The Fortwo’s rear-wheel-drive layout and compact dimensions contributed to its nimble handling and ease of maneuverability.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Smart Fortwo II Cabrio 1.0i is a naturally aspirated 999cc (60.96 cubic inches) three-cylinder gasoline engine, designated M 132.910. This engine produces 71 horsepower (Hp) and a power-to-liter ratio of 71.1 Hp/l. While not designed for outright speed, the engine provides adequate power for urban driving. The Fortwo’s lightweight construction – with a kerb weight of just 750 kg (1653.47 lbs) – results in a respectable weight-to-power ratio of 10.6 kg/Hp. The engine is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission, driving the rear wheels. Maximum speed is rated at 145 km/h (90.1 mph). Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined fuel consumption figures of 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l). The engine requires 3.7 liters (3.91 US qt, 3.26 UK qt) of engine oil, adhering to specific manufacturer specifications.
Design & Features
The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio is instantly recognizable by its diminutive size and playful design. As a two-door, two-seater Cabriolet, it prioritizes compactness and open-air enjoyment. The retractable soft top allows for a quick transition between enclosed and open-top driving. The vehicle’s length of 2695 mm (106.1 in) and width of 1559 mm (61.38 in) make it exceptionally easy to park and maneuver in tight urban environments. Safety features, while limited by the vehicle’s size, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. Interior space is, understandably, limited, but the design maximizes usability. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 220 liters (7.77 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 340 liters (12.01 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Fortwo’s design philosophy centered around providing a practical and fun solution for urban transportation, emphasizing maneuverability and fuel efficiency over outright performance or luxury.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Fortwo |
| Generation | Fortwo II cabrio (A451) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0i (71 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 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) |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h (90.1 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp |
| Power | 71 Hp |
| Power per litre | 71.1 Hp/l |
| Engine Model/Code | M 132.910 |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 l (3.91 US qt, 3.26 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1020 kg (2248.72 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 |
| Drive wheel | 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 (A451) 1.0i, while not a performance car, carved a niche for itself as a uniquely practical and enjoyable city vehicle. Its compact size, fuel efficiency, and open-top driving experience made it a popular choice for urban dwellers, particularly in Europe. Despite its limited availability in the US, the Fortwo remains a testament to innovative automotive design and a commitment to addressing the challenges of modern urban mobility.
