2010 runs on regular gas ?! - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

fredthe · 03-12-2010, 02:44 PM

According to the 2010 EPA Fuel Economy guide, the 2010 smarts don't require premium! Interesting change, if it's true...

See: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/FEG2010.pdf

SmartJoeMN · 03-12-2010, 02:53 PM

I would say its a mistype. Nothing has changed in the motor between 2008-2010.

fredthe · 03-12-2010, 03:00 PM

If it's an error, it's consistent... the EPA online database shows the same thing.

Too bad the 2010's are likely all still sitting in B'more, or we could check.

Neonspinnazz · 03-12-2010, 03:09 PM

Before yall create a mob and storm the B'more docks, go to smart.com

The USA site still has 2009 info...but go international (UK, etc.) and they have 2010 info up, all petrol engines are PREMIUM UNLEADED.

That is, unless they plan on making the regular unleaded for the states only?

Plus, I see no press stuff on the interwebs and usually when something is changed at smart, someone gets news of it.

Old smart · 03-12-2010, 03:15 PM

In the UK, the Continent, and Japan, their RON 95 "regular" equates to North American 90.5/91 PON "premium."

That said, it is possible to "de-tune" an engine to run more comfortably on lower octane fuel (with comensurate loss of some performance, and perhaps moving the catalytic converter further from the exhaust manifold). Would it be done for smartUSA? - quien sabe. What about M-B Canada? Would things change with a significant increase in government mandated ethanol usage (to 15%!)? What is thought to dwell in the minds of potental buyers? - better a few less MPG and to be able to say regular gas is officially specified? Anything is possible to "move" the vehicles.

The just now received shotgun email from smartUSA indicates their desire to "move" things.

fredthe · 03-12-2010, 03:45 PM

The EPA MPG estimates are unchanged... I agree that it's likely an error on the part of the EPA, though it could explain why smart is so eager to move the 2009s before letting any 2010s out

I do note the Canadian 2010 brochure still shows premium, but I don't know if there is a difference between US & Canada premium, like there is between US & Europe.

**jimvw57** · 03-12-2010, 03:58 PM

Around here, there is no difference in the price of premium and regular gas, (mid grade stuff) and the difference between the cheap stuff and premium is only around 8 cents. I figurre I am worth that....

fredthe · 03-12-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimvw57

Around here, there is no difference in the price of premium and regular gas, (mid grade stuff) and the difference between the cheap stuff and premium is only around 8 cents. I figurre I am worth that....

Consider yourself very lucky... here it's about a 30 cent difference between 87 and 93, and the gap widens as prices increase.

I guess there are too many folks in the DC area driving expensive, premium-only vehicles...

prm1177 · 03-12-2010, 04:48 PM

For me using regular equates (in N Cal) to a savings of $0.935 per tank, or at my present rate of consumption, an extra $46.75 per year to use Premium. At current prices, the car my Smart replaced would have cost me $2112.75 per year more to drive.

I'm still $4132 ahead for the 2 years I've had the Smart.

mendo · 03-12-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prm1177

For me using regular equates (in N Cal) to a savings of $0.935 per tank, or at my present rate of consumption, an extra $46.75 per year to use Premium. At current prices, the car my Smart replaced would have cost me $2112.75 per year more to drive.

I'm still $4132 ahead for the 2 years I've had the Smart.

Math is cool!!