2005 SMA C51 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The SMA C51 has a curb weight of 1160 kg (2557 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight of 1540 kg (3395 lbs). The curb weight reflects the vehicle's weight including all standard equipment, fluids, and a full tank of fuel but without passengers or cargo. This relatively light weight benefits fuel efficiency and enhances the car's handling responsiveness. The maximum weight includes passengers, cargo, and additional load, ensuring the vehicle can safely carry up to 380 kg (approximately 838 lbs) over its curb weight. Drivers should be mindful of the load to maintain optimal performance, braking, and tire wear.

When the rear seats of the SMA C51 sedan are folded down, the luggage capacity expands to 520 liters (approximately 18.4 cubic feet). This is quite generous for a compact sedan, providing flexibility for carrying larger items such as sports equipment, luggage for multiple passengers, or bulky shopping goods. The increased cargo space enhances the vehicle’s practicality for families and individuals needing additional storage for trips and everyday use. The rear seat folding mechanism is designed to be user-friendly, enabling swift transformation from passenger to cargo space.

The SMA C51 is equipped with tires sized 175/65 R14. This tire size offers a good balance between comfort, fuel economy, and handling. The 14-inch diameter allows for a smoother ride over typical road surfaces, as the relatively taller sidewall (65) helps absorb bumps and irregularities in the road. The width of 175 mm supports adequate grip for urban and moderate highway driving conditions without excessive rolling resistance, positively impacting fuel efficiency. Also, 14-inch tires are cost-effective for replacement and commonly available.

The SMA C51 sedan, with dimensions 4435 mm (length) x 1710 mm (width) x 1430 mm (height), comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Most single-car garages measure about 6 meters (19.7 feet) long and 3 meters (9.8 feet) wide, providing ample space for the C51's length of 4.435 meters (14.55 feet) and width of 1.71 meters (5.61 feet). The height of 1.43 meters (4.69 feet) poses no issues with typical garage heights. However, when parking, allowance for door opening, storage, and maneuvering space should be considered. The car’s relatively compact width also aids in tight urban parking spaces.

While detailed specs of a direct predecessor to the SMA C51 aren't widely documented, the C51 was developed to compete strongly in the compact sedan segment with modernized design and updated dimensions. Compared to older small sedans, the C51 generally offers a slightly longer and wider footprint, enhancing passenger space and stability on the road. The height remains similar to maintain aerodynamic efficiency and a sportier stance. The curb weight and maximum weight have also been optimized for better fuel efficiency and handling without compromising strength or safety. This evolution reflects an overall improvement in practicality and driving experience relative to its predecessors.

The SMA C51 sits comfortably within the typical size range for compact sedans, which usually span 4.3 to 4.5 meters in length and 1.7 to 1.75 meters in width. For example, the C51’s length of 4435 mm (174.6 inches) is comparable to models like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic of the same era. Its width of 1710 mm (67.3 inches) is slightly narrower than some competitors, potentially offering better maneuverability in tighter spaces but marginally less shoulder room inside. Height at 1430 mm (56.3 inches) places it on the lower side, benefiting aerodynamics and sporty styling. Overall, dimensionally it competes well, blending inside space and external compactness.

Given the SMA C51's exterior size—4435 mm in length and 1710 mm in width—the interior offers a comfortable cabin typical for compact sedans. The relatively wide body improves shoulder and hip room for front and rear occupants, helping four average-sized adults travel comfortably on short to medium trips. Interior height of a compact sedan like this usually translates to adequate headroom without sacrificing a sleek exterior profile. The car’s design prioritizes ergonomic seating and cabin layout to maximize usable space, aided by the efficient packaging of its structural components. Although not as spacious as midsize sedans, it offers a practical balance for everyday use.

During its production from 2005 to 2016, the SMA C51 was typically equipped with small to mid-sized engines focusing on fuel efficiency and reliable daily performance. Although specific engine options can vary by market, common configurations included 4-cylinder petrol engines designed for balanced power output and economical operation. The vehicle's lightweight curb weight of 1160 kg (2557 lbs) supports nimble handling and responsive acceleration for city and highway driving. While the C51 was not positioned as a high-performance sedan, it offered adequate power and smooth driving dynamics consistent with its compact sedan class role.

The SMA C51’s modest curb weight and compact dimensions contribute positively to its fuel efficiency, which was competitive among compact sedans produced between 2005 and 2016. Typically, vehicles in this class achieve combined fuel economy figures in the range of 6 to 8 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 29 to 39 miles per gallon). The C51's smaller tire size (175/65 R14) also helps reduce rolling resistance, aiding in lower fuel consumption. Though exact figures depend on engine choice, transmission, and driving conditions, the C51 was designed with economy and reliability in mind, offering practical running costs consistent with its segment.