smart Fortwo C453

Photo: M 93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

The smart Fortwo C453 (2016–2019): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 5 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: C453, A453 · Sold in: United States and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	2,740 mm RDW	2,700 mm TC	2,695 mm
Width	1,660–1,670 mm RDW	1,660 mm TC	1,663 mm
Height	1,550–1,560 mm RDW	1,560 mm TC	1,555 mm
Wheelbase	1,870 mm RDW	1,870 mm TC	1,873 mm
Front track	1,283–1,471 mm ASTRA	1,440 mm TC	–
Rear track	1,363–1,435 mm ASTRA	1,420 mm TC	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	790–1,025 kg RDW	930 kg TC	880–1,040 kg
Mass in running order	890–1,125 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	1,150–1,340 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	550 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	470 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	2 RDW	–	–
Doors	3 RDW	–	–
Performance
Top speed	130–155 km/h RDW	–	130–165 km/h
Torque	91–170 Nm ASTRA	–	91–200 Nm
Electric motor power	–	60 kW NRCan	–
Electric
Range (EPA/NRCan)	–	92–93 km EPA	–
Charging time at 240 V	–	3.0 h EPA	–

Tyre sizes (most common first): 165/65R15, 185/60R15, 205/45R16, 185/50R16, 175/55R15, 155/60R15, 195/50R15

NHTSA overall safety rating (US): 2017: ★★★★☆

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Transport Canada vehicle specifications, Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), Natural Resources Canada, US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
3 years	95.8% (94.5–96.8)	92.2%	1,209
4–5 years	93.6% (91.1–95.4)	91.0%	501

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Tyres	9.4%	21.6%
Brakes	6.2%	12.1%
Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers)	4.2%	5.8%
Lights and electrics	1.4%	4.3%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

11 complaints for model years 2017–2019.

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 5 versions of the smart Fortwo C453

United States 3 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂	Electric range
2017–2019	Electric motor	Electric	Automatic	Rear-wheel drive	102–108 MPGe EPA	0 g/km	92–93 km
2016–2017SIDI	0.9 L	Petrol	6-speed automated manual	Rear-wheel drive	35 MPG (6.7 L/100 km) EPA	153–156 g/km	–
2016–2017SIDI	0.9 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	34 MPG (6.9 L/100 km) EPA	158–160 g/km	–

Canada 2 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Power	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂	Electric range
2018–2019Two-seater	Electric motor	60 kW (82 PS)	Electric	Automatic	19.3–20.7 kWh/100 km 5-cycle	0 g/km	92–93 km
2016–2017Two-seater	0.9 L	–	Petrol	6-speed automated manual	6.7–6.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	152–157 g/km	–

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.