The Smart Fortwo III coupe (C453), produced from 2014 to 2019, represents the third generation of the iconic city car. Designed primarily for European urban environments, the Fortwo distinguishes itself with its exceptionally small size and focus on maneuverability. While never officially sold in significant numbers in the United States, the C453 generation was available in limited quantities, primarily in California, catering to a niche market seeking ultra-compact and fuel-efficient transportation. The C453 continued Smart’s commitment to innovative design and engineering within the microcar segment, offering a unique proposition in personal mobility.
Smart Fortwo III Coupe (C453): A Detailed Overview
The C453 generation marked a significant evolution for the Fortwo, moving away from the previous collaboration with Renault. This iteration was developed largely independently by Smart, resulting in a redesigned chassis and a new engine family. The Fortwo’s core appeal remained its diminutive footprint, making it exceptionally easy to park and navigate congested city streets. The 0.9-liter engine variant, producing 90 horsepower, became a popular choice, balancing efficiency with adequate performance for its intended use case. The car’s rear-wheel-drive layout, while unconventional for a vehicle of this size, contributed to its surprisingly agile handling.
Engine & Performance
The Smart Fortwo III coupe (C453) 0.9 utilizes a 0.9-liter inline-three cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, designated M 281.910. This engine produces 90 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 135 Nm (99.57 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2500 rpm. The power-to-weight ratio stands at 9.6 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.4 kg/Nm. Power per liter is an impressive 100.2 Hp/l. The engine is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.3 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in 10.7 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 155 km/h (96.31 mph). The engine features multi-port manifold fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness.
Design & Features
The C453 Fortwo maintains the instantly recognizable two-door coupe body style that has become synonymous with the Smart brand. Its compact dimensions – 2695 mm (106.1 in) in length and 1663 mm (65.47 in) in width – are central to its design philosophy. The car seats two passengers comfortably. Key design elements include a distinctive front grille, large headlights, and a relatively spacious interior considering its exterior size. Safety features, crucial in modern automotive design, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The interior, while minimalist, offers essential amenities and a functional layout. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 350 liters (12.36 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The car’s turning circle is a remarkably tight 6.95 m (22.8 ft), further enhancing its maneuverability in urban settings.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Fortwo |
| Generation | Fortwo III coupe (C453) |
| Type (Engine) | 0.9 (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 96 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 2500 rpm (99.57 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 281.910 |
| Engine displacement | 898 cm3 (54.8 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.2 mm (2.84 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.1 mm (2.88 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 865 kg (1907 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1195 kg (2634.52 lbs.) |
| Max load | 330 kg (727.53 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 260 l (9.18 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 350 l (12.36 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 28 l (7.4 US gal | 6.16 UK gal) |
| Length | 2695 mm (106.1 in.) |
| Width | 1663 mm (65.47 in.) |
| Height | 1555 mm (61.22 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 1873 mm (73.74 in.) |
| Front track | 1469 mm (57.83 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 6.95 m (22.8 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
The Smart Fortwo III (C453) 0.9 Automatic remains a compelling option for those prioritizing urban practicality and fuel efficiency. Its unique design and nimble handling continue to attract a dedicated following, even outside of its primary European market. While its limited space and performance characteristics may not suit all drivers, the Fortwo’s distinctive character and innovative engineering ensure its place as a notable vehicle in the automotive landscape.
