News: Smart testing a 70 mpg diesel in the US in 2nd gen car

[MetroMPG]

Via ABG:

An ABG reader spotted a camoflauged 2008 smart car in California, and followed the driver. When he stopped, he asked "why the camo?" - since the car was already for sale. He was told it was an emissions compliant diesel, and the driver added:

"Expect between 55 and 65 mpg around town and 70+mpg on the highway."



ABG contacted Mercedes directly, and all they would say was they were researching several powertrain options for the North American market, including diesel.

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/02...ve-to-die-for/

[cfg83]

MetroMPG -

BENCHMARK!

Someone's reading our posts.

CarloSW2

[robchalmers]

DRIVEN - gotta hand it to them its a great car! transmission is much better, smoothness wise, than 1st gen, then again it couldn't be much worse

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

The Canadians have had this diesel version for a couple of years now. And I'll bet if they tried, they could come up with a gasoline version that had mileage numbers pretty close to this...if they do not, (or even if they do?) the Toyota/Scion iQ will eat their lunch.

[tasdrouille]

AFAIK Canada only got the 1st gen diesel. The diesel powertrain isn't available anymore.