Smart (MCC) City reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Smart (MCC) City is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 92 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 317 of 442, and 41.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is headlamp aim (6.0% of tests).
Ranked 317 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 3,412 Smart (MCC) Citys aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 41.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Smart (MCC) City is 9% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
41.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
3,800
Typical age at test: 18 years
Smart (MCC) City MOT failure rate by age
Most common Smart (MCC) City MOT faults
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.0% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working5.7% of tests
- Position lamp: not working4.5% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken4.3% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.1% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.8% of tests
What the Smart (MCC) City fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 24.3% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Suspension | 12.5% | About average |
| Visibility | 9.7% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Brakes | 9.4% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 8.0% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Body and structure | 5.9% | About average |
| Tyres | 5.3% | About average |
| Steering | 2.6% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.3% | ▼ 31% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 17% less often |
What MPG does the Smart (MCC) City do?
Official economy for the Smart (MCC) City ranges from 52.3 to 60.1mpg across the 26 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2004). A typical petrol version manages 57.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Smart (MCC) City?
Any Smart (MCC) City first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Smart (MCC) City registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £170 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carSmart (MCC) City specs and running costs
Official figures for 26 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2004.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
52.3–60.1 mpg
CO2
113–128 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Coupé Hatchback 37kW 175 rear tyresSM6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 60.1 mpg | 113g | £35 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 37kW 175 rear tyresA6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 58.8 mpg | 116g | £35 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 37kW 195 rear tyresSM6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 118g | £35 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 37kW 195 rear tyresA6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 121g | £170 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 37kW 225 rear tyresSM6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 56.5 mpg | 120g | £35 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 37kW 225 rear tyresA6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 127g | £170 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 45kW 175 rear tyresSM6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 60.1 mpg | 113g | £35 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 45kW 175 rear tyresA6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 58.8 mpg | 116g | £35 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 45kW 195 rear tyresSM6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 118g | £35 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 45kW 195 rear tyresA6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 121g | £170 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 45kW 225 rear tyresSM6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 56.5 mpg | 120g | £35 |
| City Coupé Hatchback 45kW 225 rear tyresA6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 53.3 mpg | 127g | £170 |
| City Coupé Hatchback Smart and Passion (Brabus)SM6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 54.3 mpg | 123g | £170 |
| City Coupé Hatchback Smart and Passion (Brabus)A6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 128g | £170 |
| City Coupé Hatchback Smart and Pulse (Brabus)A6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 128g | £170 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 26 versions.
What a Smart (MCC) City costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 57.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Smart (MCC) CityBuying a used Smart (MCC) City?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Smart (MCC) models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Smart (MCC) City reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Smart (MCC) City is 9% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 92 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Smart (MCC) City?
The most common MOT fault is “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect”, found in 6.0% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions and visibility more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Smart (MCC) City do?
Official economy for the Smart (MCC) City ranges from 52.3 to 60.1mpg across the 26 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2004). A typical petrol version manages 57.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Smart (MCC) City?
Any Smart (MCC) City first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Smart (MCC) City registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £170 a year.
›How many Smart (MCC) Citys fail their MOT?
41.1% of Smart (MCC) Citys aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Smart (MCC) City combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.