| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1998 |
| Production Year: | 2000 discontinued in 2000 |
The MCC Smart Cabrio introduced in 1998 and manufactured during the year 2000 represents an iconic compact cabriolet designed for urban driving and stylish open-top motoring. As part of the early Smart family lineup, this two-seater cabriolet stood out due to its exceptionally small footprint and innovative design catering to city dwellers seeking practicality combined with a fun driving experience. Although precise dimension data for this specific 2000 production model is scarce, Smart models of the era were famously tiny, typically measuring around 2.5 to 2.7 meters in length (approximately 8.2 to 8.9 feet). Their width hovered near 1.5 meters (around 4.9 feet), which allowed the cabriolet to easily navigate tight urban spaces and park in minimal areas where larger vehicles could not fit. The height was generally about 1.5 meters (approximately 4.9 feet), ensuring a low and sleek profile while maintaining ample headroom for occupants. Weighing well under 1000 kg (approx. 2200 lbs), the MCC Smart Cabrio was designed with a focus on lightness and efficiency, contributing to its agile handling and economical fuel consumption. This cabriolet body style added an attractive and stylish element to the practical Smart formula, featuring a foldable soft top that enabled drivers to enjoy open-air driving in a compact, environmentally friendly package. Overall, the MCC Smart Cabrio 1998 encapsulated a unique approach to city transportation by combining minimalistic dimensions, distinctive design, and the fun factor of a convertible, making it a noteworthy vehicle in the niche of small urban cabriolets.
Discover the standout features that make the 1998 MCC Smart Cabrio a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The 1998 MCC Smart Cabrio is a compact city car designed for urban use. It measures approximately 2695 mm (106.1 inches) in length, 1510 mm (59.4 inches) in width, and 1505 mm (59.3 inches) in height. These dimensions make it one of the smallest convertible models on the market, emphasizing its maneuverability and suitability for tight city environments.
The 1998 Smart Cabrio has a curb weight ranging around 730 kg (1610 lbs). This light weight contributes to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling, allowing for better performance in city driving conditions. The weight also reflects the Smart's minimalistic design focused on reducing environmental impact and maximizing efficiency.
Despite its small exterior dimensions, the 1998 Smart Cabrio offers a surprisingly spacious two-seat layout. It is designed strictly as a two-seater with limited rear seating or storage space. The interior focuses on maximizing passenger comfort within a compact footprint, offering adequate headroom and legroom for average-sized adults, while keeping the design functional and minimal.
Yes, the 1998 MCC Smart Cabrio easily fits into a standard residential garage. With its length of 2695 mm (106.1 inches) and width of 1510 mm (59.4 inches), it is significantly smaller than many modern cars. This compact sizing allows owners to park the Cabrio comfortably in usual garage spaces, making it particularly suitable for urban dwellers with limited parking.
The 1998 MCC Smart Cabrio is essentially the first and original iteration of the Smart Cabrio; hence it has no direct predecessor model of the convertible variant. It was developed as part of the initial launch of the Smart Fortwo lineup, differentiating itself by offering an open-top two-seater experience, while maintaining the very compact dimensions that define early Smart cars.
Compared to other convertible city cars of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the 1998 Smart Cabrio is notably more compact. Many competitors, such as the Mini Cabriolet and Fiat Barchetta, were longer and wider by several hundred millimeters. The Smart's extremely small footprint (2695 mm length and 1510 mm width) sets it apart by offering exceptional urban maneuverability and ease of parking that few others could match.
Given the Smart Cabrio's compact two-seat design, its cargo capacity is limited. The trunk offers a modest space sufficient for small luggage or groceries, roughly around 150 liters (5.3 cubic feet). This limited cargo capacity highlights the car's prioritization of passenger space and open-air driving experience rather than extensive storage.
The compact size and lightweight design of the 1998 MCC Smart Cabrio contribute to impressive fuel efficiency. While exact figures vary depending on engine options and driving conditions, typical fuel consumption ranges between 4 to 5 liters per 100 kilometers (47 to 56 mpg US). Its small dimensions and low weight reduce drag and rolling resistance, making it economical for city and suburban driving.
With a height of 1505 mm (59.3 inches), the 1998 Smart Cabrio is relatively low-profile, which aids in parking in urban environments, especially in garages with low ceilings. This moderate height, combined with its narrow width, also allows for better maneuverability through tight spaces, underpasses, and multi-story parking facilities common in cities.
The 1998 MCC Smart Cabrio stands out primarily because of its ultra-compact size and distinctive urban-oriented design. Unlike many cabriolet cars that emphasize sportiness or luxury with larger dimensions, the Smart Cabrio focuses on efficiency, economy, and practicality for city driving. Its small footprint, light weight, and open-top configuration create a unique niche for drivers seeking fun in tight urban environments with easy parking and exceptional fuel economy.
MCC