The second-generation Smart Forfour Brabus, model code 453, is one of the most unusual modern hot hatchbacks sold in Britain. Developed alongside the rear-engined Renault Twingo, it combined four doors and four seats with a 109hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a six-speed twin-clutch transmission and Brabus chassis tuning. It was never a volume seller, making good UK examples increasingly distinctive.
Smart Forfour Brabus 453 UK history
The 453 Forfour reached Britain in 2015, and the Brabus version followed in 2016. Its 898cc turbocharged engine produced 80kW, or 109hp, with drive sent to the rear wheels through the twinamic dual-clutch gearbox. UK cars were offered in Brabus and more lavish Brabus Xclusive forms, with the exact trim and option content varying by model year.
Brabus equipment included quicker transmission programming, firmer suspension, larger alloy wheels, revised steering calibration, sports exhaust detailing and distinctive exterior and cabin trim. The result was more of a rapid, characterful city hatch than an uncompromising track car. It could carry four adults for short journeys while retaining the tight turning circle that made the regular Forfour so effective in town.
Performance and specifications
The 109hp engine’s output sounds modest beside larger hot hatchbacks, but the Forfour’s compact size and immediate turbo torque make it feel lively at urban speeds. The six-speed twinamic gearbox can shift automatically or through manual control, and is smoother than the automated manuals used by earlier Smarts. Rear-wheel drive gives clean traction, while the Brabus chassis limits body movement without making the car unusable.
Tyres, alignment and suspension condition have a large effect on how the car feels. A healthy example should track straight, steer consistently and deliver boost smoothly. Hesitation, driveline shunt or repeated gearbox warnings are not normal characteristics.
Smart Forfour Brabus 453 common problems
Turbocharger actuator and boost leaks
Wastegate actuator trouble, moisture around electrical connections, loose or split boost hoses and ignition-coil faults can cause poor acceleration or an engine-management light. Listen for rattles from the turbo area and confirm that full power arrives consistently. A diagnostic scan should be part of any pre-purchase inspection.
Twinamic gearbox and clutch wear
The dual-clutch gearbox should pull away cleanly and shift without persistent judder. Repeated creeping, hill holding on the accelerator and hard urban use can accelerate clutch wear. Test slow manoeuvres, reverse, hill starts and full-throttle shifts. Software updates or adaptation may help some behaviour, but a worn clutch pack is a more expensive matter.
Cooling system and servicing
The rear-mounted engine relies on long coolant runs through the car. Inspect hose connections, the expansion tank and the underside for leaks or dried coolant residue. Make sure the engine reaches and maintains the correct temperature without warning messages. Regular oil changes with the correct specification are important for the small turbo engine.
Suspension, wheels and tyres
Brabus wheels are easily kerbed and can be distorted by potholes. Examine inner rims, check tyre sidewalls and look for uneven wear. Knocks may come from links, bushes or top mounts. Replacement branded wheels and trim are costly, so condition and originality affect value significantly.
Recalls and electrical checks
The 453 Forfour range was subject to recalls affecting items including the gear selector, handbrake and steering joint on certain cars. Check the VIN with Smart or Mercedes-Benz to ensure all applicable work is complete. Test the infotainment system, climate control, parking sensors, locking, windows and dashboard displays. A weak 12-volt battery can create misleading warnings.
Bodywork and interior
Check the Tridion structure, doors and plastic panels for accident repairs, colour mismatch or poor alignment. The rear doors and glass tailgate should open and latch correctly. Brabus seats, steering wheel and trim are model-specific; badly worn or missing pieces can be difficult to replace.
Buying checklist
- Confirm genuine Brabus identity and original UK specification from the VIN.
- Check the service history, correct oil use and evidence of recall completion.
- Scan for engine, boost, gearbox and stability-control faults.
- Test the twinamic gearbox from cold and hot, especially at parking speeds.
- Inspect turbo plumbing, coolant hoses and the underside for leaks.
- Examine every wheel and tyre, including the hidden inner rim.
- Test all cabin equipment and check for accident repairs.
Ownership and values
Mechanical service parts are shared with other 453 Smarts and the related Twingo in some areas, but Brabus-specific wheels, body parts and trim can be expensive. Specialist knowledge is useful for gearbox adaptation and engine diagnostics. Modified cars require particular care: remaps may increase performance, but they can also add heat and stress to a small engine and transmission.
Verdict
The Smart Forfour Brabus 453 is a rare answer to a question few manufacturers asked: a rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive, four-door city hot hatch. It is practical enough for everyday urban use and unusual enough for the Rare and Forgotten collection. Buy the most original car you can find, supported by servicing, recall evidence and a clean diagnostic report.
Research sources included the UK Smart Brabus 453 brochure, contemporary UK road tests, used-car recall information and independent 453 repair guidance. Featured image: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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