Hi cheapshots, and welcome back.
The W453 (ForFour) was manufactured alongside the Renault Twingo 3 in
Novo Mesto, Slovenia.
[The C453 - ForTwo, was aassembled in Smartyville, Hambach, France.]
Most are probably aware of; or know of; the differences between the W454 and
the W453, but for those I'll go through them just the same, ok.
The engine/drive location is completely opposite between the W454/W453....
the W454 is front engine/drive, whereas the W453 is rear engine/drive....
all the body panels on the W454 are GRP and easily replaced, whereas only
the front and rear of the W453 are GRP, the doors are metal.
Turning circle of the W453 is similar if not better than a London taxi, so it's
great for getting out of tight spaces or turning round..unlike the W454.
There are in essence 3 engine options available for all the 453's, an electric,
and a choice of a 1.0 litre normally aspirated, or a 0.9 litre turbocharged.
Transmissions - electric is direct drive, whereas the I/C's get a choice of a
a 5-speed manual, or a 6-speed dual clutch automatic. (No semi-auto model).
As ocracoke has mentioned, a remap of the turbo version is not really
an option. Brabus had no end of problems when they got their hands on it
and were tasked to work their magic. The turbo and inlet are one piece so
a completely new manifold and turbo set up was required, but then it was
found that the gearboxes were not capable of handling much more than
the standard power output ! The gearboxes were not 'over engineered' as
had been the German normal, instead these were for the French (Twingo)
so were built to a price. Performance tuning is therefore almost impossible.
However, all I/C versions of the the 453 have now been discontinued with only
the electric version still in production. This is in preparation for the 'arrival' of
the next 4/5 seater to bear the Smart name...the Smart #1 which will also
be the most expensive Smart made so far, costing in the UK around £35,000 !
No longer a car for the commuter, or the masses as it is late into an already
large EV market place that has some very well established names.
But..back to the W453....
The only issue I had heard of this year with this model is the availability of
replacement clutches...virtually zero stock from Renault or Smart, and 100% zero
from the usual non dealer suppliers such as Sachs, Luke etc.
And then there is the cost of those...£3k unfitted ! Or so I was told by S2smarts.
Best to confirm/verify that I would say, as that was some months ago.
As to whether a W453 is as good or tough as a W454....read up on long term reports
on the likes of WhatCar and other such magazines reviews/web pages.
