The Smart Forfour (W454) 1.5 cdi (95 Hp) is a subcompact hatchback produced by Smart from 2004 to 2006. This generation of the Forfour represented Smart’s attempt to expand its model range beyond the diminutive Fortwo, offering a more practical, four-passenger vehicle. While Smart is primarily known in the United States for the Fortwo, the Forfour was largely a European market vehicle, designed to appeal to city dwellers needing a small, efficient, and maneuverable car. The 1.5 cdi variant, powered by a diesel engine, was a key offering in many European countries due to favorable diesel fuel costs and tax incentives.
Smart Forfour (W454): A Detailed Overview
The W454 Forfour was the first generation of the Forfour model, and it differed significantly from its successor launched in 2015. Developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, the W454 shared its platform with the Mitsubishi Colt. This collaboration allowed Smart to bring a larger vehicle to market more quickly and cost-effectively. The Forfour aimed to provide a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and the distinctive Smart design language. It was positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Fiat Panda and Renault Twingo, focusing on urban mobility.
Engine & Performance
The 1.5 cdi Forfour is powered by a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder diesel engine, designated OM 639.939. This engine produces 95 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 210 Nm (154.89 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1800 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. The power-to-weight ratio is 10.2 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 4.6 kg/Nm. The engine’s relatively small displacement results in a power output of 63.6 Hp per liter. The Forfour 1.5 cdi achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg / 61.4 UK mpg / 21.7 km/l), with urban and extra-urban figures of 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg / 48.7 UK mpg / 17.2 km/l) and 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg / 72.4 UK mpg / 25.6 km/l) respectively. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Smart Forfour (W454) is a five-door hatchback with seating for four adults. Its design incorporates the signature Smart aesthetic, characterized by a short wheelbase, a tall body, and a relatively wide track. The car’s compact dimensions make it exceptionally maneuverable in urban environments. The interior is designed to maximize space efficiency, offering reasonable headroom and legroom for passengers. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity, expanding from a minimum of 268 liters (9.46 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 910 liters (32.14 cu. ft.). The Forfour’s design prioritized practicality and ease of use, making it a suitable vehicle for city driving and short trips. The vehicle’s curb weight is 965 kg (2127.46 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 485 kg (1069.24 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Forfour |
| Generation | Forfour (W454) |
| Engine Type | 1.5 cdi (95 Hp) |
| Production Years | 2004 – 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body Type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Consumption (Urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg / 48.7 UK mpg / 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Consumption (Extra Urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg / 72.4 UK mpg / 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg / 61.4 UK mpg / 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| 0-100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| 0-60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum Speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission Standard | Euro 4 |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 210 Nm @ 1800 rpm (154.89 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 639.939 |
| Engine Displacement | 1493 cm3 (91.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 3 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Fuel Injection System | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant Capacity | 6.6 l (6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 965 kg (2127.46 lbs) |
| Max. Weight | 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs) |
| Max Load | 485 kg (1069.24 lbs) |
| Trunk Space (Min) | 268 l (9.46 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk Space (Max) | 910 l (32.14 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 l (12.42 US gal | 10.34 UK gal) |
| Length | 3752 mm (147.72 in) |
| Width | 1684 mm (66.3 in) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in) |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front Brakes | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Tire Size | 175/65 R14 |
The Smart Forfour (W454) 1.5 cdi, while not officially sold in large numbers in the United States, represents an interesting chapter in Smart’s history. It demonstrated the brand’s ambition to offer a broader range of vehicles and cater to a wider audience. Its focus on fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and practicality made it a popular choice in European cities, and its collaboration with Mitsubishi highlighted the potential for strategic partnerships in the automotive industry.
