The third-generation Smart Fortwo (C453, since 2014) is 2.69 metres long and has a turning circle of 6.95 metres, which makes it practical in Rome’s traffic and tight parking spaces. It shares its platform with the Twingo and has the engine at the back. When buying used, test the gearbox in traffic and check the 12 V battery and any recalls.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Smart Fortwo, third generation (C453) |
| Unveiled | 16 July 2014, Berlin |
| Production | Hambach (France); 2014-2019 according to Wikipedia (check the year on the registration document) |
| Platform | shared with the Renault Twingo; rear engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Dimensions | length 2.69 m; turning circle 6.95 m |
| Launch engines | 1.0 naturally aspirated 71 hp; 0.9 turbo 90 hp |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch (Twinamic, with the 1.0 71 hp from 2015) |
| Top speed | 151 km/h (manufacturer’s figure) |
| Fuel consumption | 1.0 71 hp automatic: 24.4 km/l (about 4.1 l/100 km), 94 g/km CO2 — manufacturer’s figure (NEDC 2015 cycle) |
| At our lot | 1.0 71 hp Prime, first registered in 2020, petrol, automatic, orange, Euro 6 |
Why is the Smart Fortwo a solution in Rome, not a fashion statement?
Two metres 69 in length. A turning circle of 6.95 metres. Those numbers explain why in Rome the Smart is not a fashion statement but a solution: it slips in where other cars need three turns. If you want to see one in person, there is this Smart Fortwo 1.0 Prime.
Its size is its main strength: the Fortwo parks in spots other cars ignore. On top of that:
- The automatic gearbox helps with parking manoeuvres and stop-and-go traffic: in a queue along the Lungotevere you really feel the difference.
- The engine is docile rather than brilliant: it is there to get you around town, not to beat stopwatches.
On the numbers: the top speed, according to the manufacturer, is 151 km/h. In the city, something else matters: practicality. To find out where you can drive, see our page on the Fascia Verde in Rome.
What is the Smart Fortwo (C453) built on?
A Smart born together with the Twingo. The third-generation Fortwo (code C453) made its debut on 16 July 2014 at the Tempodrom in Berlin. It was developed with Renault and shares its platform with the new Twingo, along with other parts such as the seats and infotainment. The layout stays as it has always been: engine and drive at the rear. It is built in Hambach, France.
At launch there were two engines: a naturally aspirated 1.0 with 71 hp and a 0.9 turbo with 90 hp. The gearbox is either a five-speed manual or the six-speed dual-clutch automatic (the Twinamic), which from 2015 is paired with the 1.0 71 hp. From 2018 the electric versions are called smart EQ fortwo.
The third-generation Fortwo made its debut on 16 July 2014 at the Tempodrom in Berlin.
Four things you may not know about the Smart
- The name is an equation. Smart stands for Swatch + Mercedes + Art.
- A cabin in a cage. The Tridion safety cell is the steel structure that protects the cabin, and it can come in a contrasting colour.
- Same size, different evolution. The length is the same as the previous generation: 2.69 metres.
- One city, many Smarts. According to a 2014 source, about 110,000 Smarts had been sold in Rome since 1998. Those are numbers from back then, but they say a lot.
How much fuel does the Smart Fortwo 1.0 71 hp use?
Low consumption. For the 1.0 71 hp with automatic gearbox, the manufacturer’s figure (NEDC 2015 cycle) is 24.4 km/l (about 4.1 l/100 km) and 94 g/km of CO2. Note that the cycle dates from 2015 while this car is from 2020, so the value is indicative and should be compared with the registration document of the specific car.
Looking for another city car? Have a look at another city car for Rome or the used city cars in Rome in our catalogue.
What should you check on a used Smart Fortwo with an automatic gearbox?
Typically, on a Fortwo with an automatic gearbox:
- Test the gearbox in traffic: pulling away, manoeuvring, gear engagement. On the 453 with the dual-clutch, the points flagged by workshops concern the electro-hydraulic part and software updates. If possible, have the fault codes read out.
- 12 V battery: it is mentioned among the common-sense checks.
- Recalls: between 2014 and 2016 there were recalls (among others on the dual-clutch gear selector). With the chassis number you can ask the official network whether they were carried out.
- Registration document: check that the year, engine and power match what is written on the car’s details.
This Smart is at our lot
- Year: first registered in 2020
- Fuel: petrol
- Gearbox: automatic
- Colour: orange, with orange interior
- Emissions class: Euro 6
Want to see it in Rome? Come and visit us: The right car? We’ll find it for you
How we prepared it
Before it goes on sale, this Smart goes through a complete inspection in our workshop, a few steps from the sales area. We check everything: mechanics, engine and gearbox, brakes, suspension, electrical system and electronics, bodywork. The service is done. So when you come to see it, you know what you are getting.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Smart Fortwo?
2.69 metres, with a turning circle of 6.95 metres.
What platform is the Fortwo C453 built on?
It shares its platform with the Renault Twingo; the engine and drive are at the rear. It is built in Hambach, France.
What engines does the Smart Fortwo have?
At launch, a naturally aspirated 1.0 with 71 hp and a 0.9 turbo with 90 hp, with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
How much fuel does the Smart Fortwo 1.0 71 hp use?
Manufacturer’s figure (NEDC 2015 cycle) for the 1.0 71 hp automatic: 24.4 km/l (about 4.1 l/100 km) and 94 g/km of CO2. The cycle dates from 2015 and the car is from 2020: the value is indicative and should be compared with the registration document.
What should you check on a used Fortwo?
The automatic gearbox in traffic (also by having the fault codes read), the 12 V battery, whether recalls were carried out using the chassis number, and that the registration document is consistent.
What checks did this car go through?
Every car goes through a complete inspection in our workshop, close to the sales area: mechanics, engine and gearbox, brakes, suspension, electrical system and electronics, bodywork. The service is done.
Sources
- Wikipedia EN: Smart Fortwo
- Alvolante, Automoto.it (manufacturer’s consumption figures)
- Autoblog.it
- ÖAMTC / KFZ-Dietrich (recalls, technical details)
More car stories on our blog.
Updated on 30.10.2026
