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Smart forfour: 454 and 453 generations, engines and trims
The Smart forfour is a four-seater, five-door city car produced in two completely different generations: 454 (2004–2006) and 453 (2014–2021). The used market is mostly populated by the 453 generation, including electric models. We look at how the generations differ, which engines are most popular and what to check before buying.
Smart forfour in brief
The first forfour (454) was developed with the Mitsubishi Colt, while the second (453) was co-developed with the Renault Twingo. There was an eight-year gap between generations, so they are essentially two different cars with the same name.
The 453 generation forfour stands out with its tiny turning circle, four full-opening doors and sturdy 'Tridion' safety cell. It's a practical city car, but the boot is small and you'll notice wind and road noise at higher speeds on the open road.
454 vs 453 — what's the difference
The 454 generation (2004–2006) is a conventional car with an engine at the front and front-wheel drive. It's mechanically similar to the Mitsubishi Colt, and the rear seat often slides forward and back. It was produced for a short time, so it's less common on the used market.
The 453 generation (2014–2021) has a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, like the smart fortwo. As a result, the front wheels turn sharply and the turning circle is just around 8.7m. The interior is more modern, and the ride is more comfortable than the first generation. From 2020, the forfour was produced only as an electric EQ forfour.
The 453 is the best choice for most buyers. The 454 is worth seeking if you want a more conventional design or a larger boot, but it's an older car, and some of its parts are rare.
Engines and gearboxes
The 453 comes with petrol engines: a 1.0-litre (around 61-71hp) and a 0.9-litre turbo (around 90hp), while the Brabus version packs around 109hp. Gearboxes are a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed twinamic dual-clutch.
The electric drive forfour and later EQ forfour feature an electric motor with around 60kW (around 82hp) and a 17.6kWh battery. The real-world range is modest — usually around 100-120km, less in winter, so it's best suited to city driving.
The 454 typically comes with Mitsubishi-derived petrol engines: a 1.1-litre (around 75hp), 1.3-litre (around 95hp) and 1.5-litre (around 109hp), plus a 1.5 cdi diesel and a powerful Brabus version. Gearboxes are manual or automated manual.
What to check when buying a used forfour
With a twinamic gearbox, test the 453 for smooth driving on a camber, parking and hill starts — the dual-clutch box should operate without judders or vibration. In a manual car, check the clutch: it should bite quicker in town.
In an electric forfour, request a battery health check with diagnostic equipment and ensure charging works from both a household socket and a charging station. This model lacks fast DC charging.
Since the forfour is mostly driven in the city, thoroughly check the bumpers, corners and wheel arches for dents, as well as the tyres and suspension. For the 454 series, the overall technical condition, operation of the automated gearbox and corrosion are key.
Trim levels
Equipment varies by market and year, plus there were many special editions (e.g., Edition 1); we list the most commonly found 453 series trims in Europe.
pure
453The base trim is the simplest and most affordable.
- Often comes with steel wheels
- A more basic sound system
- Often includes air conditioning
passion
453The most popular choice offers more comfort and a more vibrant interior.
- Light-alloy wheels
- Often includes automatic air conditioning
- Often includes a panoramic roof
prime
453A more luxurious version for comfort enthusiasts.
- Often includes leather seats
- Often includes heated front seats
- Often includes a panoramic roof
proxy
453A more modern, sportier-looking version.
- Exclusive interior colour schemes
- Often — larger alloy wheels
- Often — a sportier suspension
Brabus
453The most powerful and sporty petrol variant.
- 0.9-litre turbocharged engine, around 109 hp
- Twinamic dual-clutch gearbox
- Sporty suspension, seats and exclusive alloy wheels
Comparison of 453 series trims
| pure | passion | prime | Brabus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For the tightest budgets | For daily city driving | For comfort | For sporty looks and dynamics |
| Alloy wheels (often) | 15-inch, steel | 15-inch, alloy | 15–16-inch, alloy | 16–17-inch, alloy |
| Interior | Base | More vibrant trim | Often leather, heated seats | Sport seats |
| Engine | 1.0-litre, around 61–71 hp | 1.0-litre or 0.9-litre turbo | 1.0-litre or 0.9-litre turbo | 0.9-litre turbo, around 109 hp |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€ | €€€ |
Many buyers will find the passion with the 0.9-litre turbo engine to be just right for the suburbs. The Brabus is worth considering for its looks, while the electric EQ forfour is only worth it if you mostly drive in the city and have somewhere to charge.
Pros
- Very tight turning circle
- Four doors and space for four people
- Easy to park in the city
- You can also choose the electric version
Cons
- Small boot
- Noisy and less stable on the outskirts at high speeds
- The electric version has a short range and lacks fast charging
Frequently asked questions
How does the smart forfour differ from the Renault Twingo?
The 453-series forfour and third-generation Twingo were developed together, so their tech — rear-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and most of the engines — is very similar. The body design, interior, some settings and features differ.
Is the smart forfour suitable for longer journeys?
Occasionally, yes, especially with the 0.9-litre turbo engine. However, the forfour is designed for the city: at high speeds, it's noisier and more susceptible to side winds, and the boot is small, so a larger car is more suitable for regular long journeys.
Is it worth buying the electric EQ forfour?
Worth considering if you mostly drive in the city and can charge the car at home or work. The range is modest, and there's no fast charging, so it's not ideal for long journeys. Before buying, check the condition of the battery.
Updated 2026-10-09 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
