The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) 1.0i, produced between 2007 and 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 second generation of the Fortwo Cabrio built upon the success of its predecessor, offering an open-top experience in a package designed for navigating congested city streets and tight parking spaces. The 1.0i variant, equipped with an 84 horsepower engine, was a popular choice for drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
Smart Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) 1.0i: A City-Focused Design
The Smart Fortwo II, and specifically the Cabrio version, was conceived as a solution to the challenges of urban transportation. Its compact dimensions – measuring just under 9 feet in length – allowed for easy parking and navigation through narrow streets. The Cabrio variant added the appeal of open-air driving, enhancing the sense of freedom and enjoyment in city environments. The A451 generation represented a significant evolution over the original Fortwo, with improvements in safety, refinement, and overall driving experience. While the Smart brand struggled to gain significant traction in the US market, the Fortwo found a dedicated following in Europe and other regions where its unique attributes were highly valued.
Engine & Performance
The 1.0i variant of the Smart Fortwo II Cabrio is powered by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder gasoline engine displacing 999 cubic centimeters (60.96 cubic inches). This engine produces 84 horsepower, delivering a power-to-weight ratio of 9.3 kg/Hp. While not designed for outright speed, the engine provides adequate performance for urban driving conditions. The Fortwo II Cabrio achieves a maximum speed of 145 kilometers per hour (90.1 mph). A key focus of the powertrain was fuel efficiency. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (48 US mpg or 57.6 UK mpg), making it an economical choice for daily commuting. The engine is coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and convenient gear changes. The drivetrain is rear-wheel drive, a somewhat unusual configuration for a vehicle of this size and class.
Design & Features
The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio features a two-door, two-seat cabriolet body style. The retractable fabric roof allows for open-top driving, transforming the vehicle’s character. The design is characterized by its rounded lines and playful aesthetic. Safety features, while limited by the vehicle’s size, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The interior is minimalist and functional, prioritizing space efficiency. Trunk space, while modest, ranges from 220 liters (7.77 cubic feet) with the rear seats up to 340 liters (12.01 cubic feet) with them folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 780 kg (1719.61 lbs), contributing to its nimble handling and fuel efficiency. The Fortwo II Cabrio was available with various customization options, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles. The tires are sized 175/55 R15 or 195/50 R15, depending on the trim level.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Fortwo |
| Generation | Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0i (84 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h (90.1 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.7 Hp/tonne |
| Power | 84 Hp |
| Power per litre | 84.1 Hp/l |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| 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. Internal Combustion engine. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 175/55 R15; 195/50 R15 |
The Smart Fortwo II Cabrio (A451) 1.0i remains a distinctive vehicle, representing a unique approach to urban mobility. Its compact size, fuel efficiency, and open-top design continue to appeal to drivers seeking a fun and practical city car. While its limited availability in the US market prevented it from achieving widespread recognition, the Fortwo II Cabrio has established a loyal following among those who appreciate its unconventional charm and innovative design.
