Is the Mercedes C-Class Really Worth the Cost of...
Daimler updates its smart fortwo, adds micro hybrid start-stop

Daimler updates its smart fortwo, adds micro hybrid start-stop

Nelson Ireson July 11th, 2008 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author July 11th, 2008
  • Articles Contributed: 1707
  • Comments Posted: 0
  • Leaderboard Rank: N/A

December 31st, 1969 Starting in October, smart's fortwo will get an update that includes a new micro hybrid drive (MHD) system to aid a pair of petrol engine variants. The micro hybrid system consists of start-stop technology, which the company says is good for an 8% reduction in emissions. Around the same time, the new diesel fortwo cdi will also get a closed particulate filter that will eliminate almost all particulate emissions. The two engines available with the MHD system are rated at 45kW (61hp) and 52kW (71hp), while the cdi diesel engine is rated at 33kW (45hp). Emissions for all three are low, with both of the petrol engines emitting 103g/km CO2 and the cdi emitting just 88g/km. Fuel consumption is likewise low, at just 4.3L/100km ( mpg) for the petrol cars and 3.4L/100km for the diesel. The all-new start-stop technology reduces fuel consumption by 8% in the combined cycle, and by up to 20% in city-only driving, according to Daimler. Along with the hybrid-drive and other technological updates, smart is introducing two new colors to the lineup, rally red and grey metallic. The new additions bring the total choices up to six, so buyers can configure their car to better suit their tastes. A new set of six-spoke alloy wheels is also available, with a chrome finish available as an additional option. Inside the car gets new fabric to match the two new paint choices, a redesigned instrument cluster with an enhanced LCD display and more storage space in the cockpit thanks to net pockets on the doors. The updated car is available for ordering in Europe now. U.S. release dates haven't been announced yet, but expect the car to arrive not long after its European sales debut.smart fortwo mhd update
Daimler updates its smart fortwo, adds micro hybrid start-stop

Daimler updates its smart fortwo, adds micro hybrid start-stop

Enlarge Photo

Starting in October, smart's fortwo will get an update that includes a new micro hybrid drive (MHD) system to aid a pair of petrol engine variants. The micro hybrid system consists of start-stop technology, which the company says is good for an 8% reduction in emissions. Around the same time, the new diesel fortwo cdi will also get a closed particulate filter that will eliminate almost all particulate emissions.

The two engines available with the MHD system are rated at 45kW (61hp) and 52kW (71hp), while the cdi diesel engine is rated at 33kW (45hp). Emissions for all three are low, with both of the petrol engines emitting 103g/km CO2 and the cdi emitting just 88g/km. Fuel consumption is likewise low, at just 4.3L/100km ( mpg) for the petrol cars and 3.4L/100km for the diesel. The all-new start-stop technology reduces fuel consumption by 8% in the combined cycle, and by up to 20% in city-only driving, according to Daimler.

Along with the hybrid-drive and other technological updates, smart is introducing two new colors to the lineup, rally red and grey metallic. The new additions bring the total choices up to six, so buyers can configure their car to better suit their tastes. A new set of six-spoke alloy wheels is also available, with a chrome finish available as an additional option. Inside the car gets new fabric to match the two new paint choices, a redesigned instrument cluster with an enhanced LCD display and more storage space in the cockpit thanks to net pockets on the doors.

The updated car is available for ordering in Europe now. U.S. release dates haven't been announced yet, but expect the car to arrive not long after its European sales debut.
smart fortwo mhd update
Gallery
  • smart fortwo update mhd motorauthority 001
  • smart fortwo update mhd motorauthority 002

Tags: Hatchbacks

Posted in: 2008, Smart, News, Hybrid, fortwo


Comments (5 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. By m__ #1, Posted: 7/11/2008

    4.3 with the MHD tec seems high still. My 10yo nissan micra 1.3 gets 5.8 without any tech

  2. By Roy #2, Posted: 7/12/2008

    m's Nissan Micra gets close to 45 mpg (UK gallon) while the Smart gets more like 60 mpg (UK gallon?). Both of those numbers are much better than most cars on the road. The Smart is a not unimpressive 33% better than the Micra, partly through tech and partly through carrying two fewer people. It's fighting the aerodynamic penalty of a huge frontal area/tall ride height while also carrying the weight penalty of safety gear that probably wasn't available on the Micra. Nonetheless, it sounds like the Prius can give the Smart a run for its money, despite having an engine approximately twice as big and being approximately twice as big! But nothing is as easy to park in a city as a Smart car.

  3. By justin #3, Posted: 7/12/2008

    well i liv in the US and the engine is the worst engine daimler chrysler can make i mean for a car lik that you wouldn't guess how much mpg it makes. i cant even break 40 mpg the mini cooper has 47 mor hp and it stil manages to get better fuel economy than the smart. not so smart now are they

  4. By Guber #4, Posted: 7/13/2008

    I seen 3 of these in my neighborhood, must be a trend because they don't look safe (tiny) The next time I see one parked, I want to see if I can tip it over with a sneeze.

  5. By Carlos #5, Posted: 7/28/2008

    I was walking to my car the other day and tripped over something on the ground. Turns out someone parked their Smart next to mine. lol

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media