The Smart Forfour II (W453) 0.9 (90 Hp) Automatic is a city car produced by Smart, a microcar manufacturer owned by Mercedes-Benz. Introduced in 2014 and continuing through 2019, the W453 generation represented a significant departure from its predecessor, offering a five-door hatchback configuration and, crucially, a rear-wheel-drive layout. While Smart vehicles have a limited official presence in the United States, the Forfour is a popular choice in European markets, particularly for urban commuters seeking a compact and fuel-efficient vehicle. This model, powered by a turbocharged 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine, aimed to balance practicality with Smart’s signature focus on maneuverability and low running costs.
Smart Forfour II (W453) 0.9: Overview and Market Position
The Forfour II was developed in collaboration with Renault, sharing its platform and some components with the Renault Twingo. This partnership allowed Smart to offer a more conventional and spacious vehicle than previous Forfour models. The W453 targeted buyers in densely populated urban areas who prioritize ease of parking, fuel economy, and a small footprint. The 0.9-liter engine variant, producing 90 horsepower, was a common offering, providing a balance between performance and efficiency. The Forfour’s rear-wheel-drive configuration, unusual for this class of vehicle, contributed to its nimble handling and surprisingly spacious interior for its size.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Smart Forfour II 0.9 Automatic is a 898 cc (54.8 cubic inches) inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, designated M 281.910. This engine is turbocharged and intercooled, allowing it to produce 90 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 135 Nm (99.57 lb-ft) of torque at 2500 rpm. The power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 100.2 hp/l. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.9 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.3 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined cycle consumption rated at 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg or 67.3 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 98 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Smart Forfour II is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its compact dimensions – 3495 mm (137.6 in) in length and 1665 mm (65.55 in) in width – make it exceptionally easy to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces. The design is characterized by its short overhangs and relatively tall body. Inside, the Forfour offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, thanks in part to the rear-wheel-drive layout which frees up interior space. Standard features typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a range of safety equipment designed to meet European safety standards. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 185 liters (6.53 cu ft) to a maximum of 975 liters (34.43 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 950 kg (2094.39 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Forfour |
| Generation | Forfour II (W453) |
| Type (Engine) | 0.9 (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 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) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 98 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specs | |
| 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 | 10.9 l (11.52 US qt | 9.59 UK qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 950 kg (2094.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 185 l (6.53 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 975 l (34.43 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 28 l (7.4 US gal | 6.16 UK gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3495 mm (137.6 in.) |
| Width | 1665 mm (65.55 in.) |
| Height | 1554 mm (61.18 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2494 mm (98.19 in.) |
| Front track | 1467 mm (57.76 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1429 mm (56.26 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 8.65 m (28.38 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 165/65 R 15; 185/60 R 15; 185/45 R 16; 205/50 R 16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.0J x 15; 5.5J x 15; 6.0J x 16; 6.5J x 16 |
