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Smart Forfour W454 1.5i Brabus (177 Hp)
Overall Rating
Smart Forfour:
The Smart Forfour is a city car marketed by Smart over two generations. The first generation was marketed in Europe from 2003 to 2006 with a front-engine configuration, sharing its platform with the Mitsubishi Colt. The second generation was marketed in Europe from 2014 after an eight-year hiatus, using rear-engine or rear electric motor configurations. It is based on the third-generation Renault Twingo, which also forms a basis for the third-generation Smart Fortwo. A battery electric version was marketed as the EQ Forfour beginning in 2018....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W454 Overview:
Smart Forfour (W454). With 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.9 l/100km). Weighing only 965 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 221 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
Achieved an average 3-star rating for adult occupant protection, which was acceptable for a compact car of its era but not class-leading.
1.5i Brabus (177 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The performance flagship, transforming the Forfour into a genuine hot hatch with impressive acceleration and engaging driving dynamics.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a performance model, fuel consumption is significantly higher than other variants, but still acceptable for its power output.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Compact and highly maneuverable for city driving
- • Excellent fuel economy from diesel engines
- • Surprisingly practical interior with flexible seating
- • Brabus variant offers genuine hot hatch performance
- • Shared platform with Mitsubishi Colt suggests decent mechanicals
Cons:
- • Base petrol engines are underpowered and slow
- • Interior quality can feel plasticky and basic
- • Limited boot space compared to some rivals
- • Polarizing design may not appeal to everyone
- • Short production run and Smart's reputation can lead to parts/resale concerns
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W454: 2004 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Smart |
| Model: | Forfour |
| Generation: | W454 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5i Brabus (177 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 177 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 120.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 230 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 122.950 More details about the engine M 122.950 |
| Engine displacement: | 1468 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 221 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.5 kg/Hp, 183.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.2 kg/Nm, 238.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 965 |
| Max. weight: | 1450 |
| Max load: | 485 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 910 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 268 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 47 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3752 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1684 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2500 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/40 R17 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Smart Forfour!