33/40... will my mileage vary?

[stevenvillatoro]

Given the weight of the smart and its engine size, I'm surprised that the 2008 EPA mileage estimates are not farther ahead of heftier gas-powered competitors.

A representative at 800-SMARTUSA today informed me that the start-stop feature will not be on US-version cars. Could she have been wrong???

Any word yet on what real-world mileage we can expect with the new-generation smart?

[mfoster]

Start Stop won't be for 2008. Real world mileage will certainly be reported next month along with lots of first impressions.

[ASmartMan]

Estimates? why not real world


I know the heading sounds strange, but the 1 L Smart has been running on the EU streets for a few months now, go here http://www.spritmonitor.de/en/ search for the Smart 42 in the 2007 to 2008 year range, this will result in the 3 various motor it is offered (ONLY IN TH EU).

You will find the (only) motor that is offered in the US and you can compare.

NOTE if you are a visitor to that site, and see mileage in gallons, remember the UK gallon is 1/5 more than a US gallon. Best off to do the Km to L conversion

Hope it helped ASM

[MicroNut]

Originally Posted by ASmartMan

...You will find the (only) motor that is offered in the US and you can compare...

Yes, the European data may be indicative, but there are significant differences between the Euro and NA-spec smarts. The US version is heavier, has different gearing, different emissions tuning and a lower compression ratio. All of these factors could have some impact on overall fuel consumption.

In addition, it's hard to draw conclusions from someone else's mileage figures without understanding the associated driving conditions (average speeds, traffic congestion, etc.) and driver behavior (lead-foot, hypermiler).

I agree that the best real world data will emerge in the next month or two from 451 drivers here in the US and Canada.

[anthony94114]

No Start-Stop. Total bummer. I cannot imagine why smart didn't want to at least offer that feature... thus enabling it to claim 'best mpg of any gas engined car in America'. Don't doubt my excitement for the fortwo, but the mpg of a Corolla designed 6 years ago isn't what I was hoping for. MHD is PERFECT for the smart -a car inarguably designed to thrive in cities. Gurr.

Last, I just have to add -I had a 1993 Honda Civic VX with airbags, 4 seats, great power and it got 52mpg.

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by anthony94114

No Start-Stop. Total bummer. I cannot imagine why smart didn't want to at least offer that feature... thus enabling it to claim 'best mpg of any gas engined car in America'. Don't doubt my excitement for the fortwo, but the mpg of a Corolla designed 6 years ago isn't what I was hoping for. MHD is PERFECT for the smart -a car inarguably designed to thrive in cities. Gurr.

Last, I just have to add -I had a 1993 Honda Civic VX with airbags, 4 seats, great power and it got 52mpg.

That kind of mileage with the 93 Civic, you will get that or better with the Smart because getting that kind of mileage is indicative of the way you drive.
Ones driving habits mean EVERYTHING and I have no doubt that you will be pleased with what you get out of the Smart.

Those EPA gas mileage numbers have been beaten to death here with all kinds of banter. Like suggested by other posters on this thread, soon real numbers will be coming out obtained by real drivers using their own cars in the way they use them. Those are the numbers that one will be able to call gospel and they too will be affected by the driving habits of it's owner.

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by anthony94114

thus enabling it to claim 'best mpg of any gas engined car in America'. .

Actually according to the new (much lower) 2008 EPA estimates the smart is the lowest gasoline powered car 2008 available in America.

And driving style is everything. I've seen folks on the Canadian boards claiming everything up to 62 mpg.

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by spdickey

I've seen folks on the Canadian boards claiming everything up to 62 mpg.

Isn't that with the lower-powered diesel motor?

[propes]

I believe so, yes. CsC is still asking for real-world MPG results.

[Smart_ABQ]

It is true that if you decide to hot-rod your smartie you will no doubt be on the lower end of the mpg spectrum. I've seen people that complain about the real life mileage they've gotten in a Prius! They are probably the ones that race up to red lights and just HAVE to be the first off the line and that is whenever they don't run the red light in the first place.

Just think, somebody's got to get called tomorrow! The excitement is building.