The Smart Fortwo II coupe (C451) Brabus 1.0i turbo, produced from 2007 to 2014, represents a significant iteration in the Smart city car lineage. This diminutive vehicle, primarily marketed in Europe, gained a niche following for its unique size, maneuverability, and surprisingly sporty Brabus-tuned variant. While never officially sold in large numbers in the United States due to regulatory hurdles and market preferences, the Fortwo offered a compelling solution for urban transportation, emphasizing efficiency and ease of parking in densely populated areas. The C451 generation, and particularly the Brabus model, aimed to inject a dose of performance into the microcar segment.
Smart Fortwo II Coupe (C451) Brabus: An Overview
The Fortwo C451 was the second generation of the Fortwo model, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. The Brabus variant, distinguished by its aggressive styling and enhanced engine, was designed to appeal to drivers seeking a more engaging driving experience. It’s important to note that Smart, owned by Mercedes-Benz, positioned the Fortwo as a lifestyle vehicle, emphasizing its practicality and innovative design rather than outright performance. The Brabus version, however, blurred those lines, offering a noticeable power increase and sport-tuned suspension. The car’s rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout was unusual for its class and contributed to its distinctive handling characteristics.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Smart Fortwo II coupe Brabus 1.0i turbo is a 999 cc inline-3 cylinder engine, turbocharged and intercooled. This engine produces 98 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 140 Nm (103.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3500 rpm. While seemingly modest, this output translates to a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 8 kg/Hp, and a torque-to-weight ratio of 5.6 kg/Nm. The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection and boasts a power-per-liter output of 98.1 Hp/l. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 km/h (96.31 mph). The engine code is M 132.930. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Smart Fortwo II coupe (C451) is a two-door, two-seater coupe characterized by its exceptionally small footprint. The Brabus variant features distinctive styling cues, including a more aggressive front bumper, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a sport exhaust system. Wheels are typically larger than the standard Fortwo, often 17-inch alloys. Inside, the Brabus model often included sport seats, unique interior trim, and upgraded instrumentation. Safety features, while limited by the vehicle’s size, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a reinforced safety cell (tridion safety cell) designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The 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 fuel tank capacity is 33 liters (8.72 US gal, 7.26 UK gal). The vehicle’s compact dimensions – a length of 2695 mm (106.1 in.), a width of 1559 mm (61.38 in.), and a height of 1542 mm (60.71 in.) – are central to its appeal in urban environments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | Fortwo |
| Generation | Fortwo II coupe (C451) |
| Type (Engine) | Brabus 1.0i turbo (98 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 98 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 3500 rpm (103.26 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 132.930 |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 l (3.91 US qt | 3.26 UK qt) |
| 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 | Rear wheel drive |
| 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 | 175/50R16V; 225/35R17 |
The Smart Fortwo II coupe (C451) Brabus 1.0i turbo, while not a mainstream success in the US market, remains a unique and intriguing vehicle. Its combination of compact size, fuel efficiency, and surprisingly sporty performance, particularly in Brabus guise, continues to appeal to a dedicated following, especially in European cities where its maneuverability and parking ease are highly valued.
