Dealers and MPG

[gamernotwatcher]

If according to sources who say the American Smart for Two will get 38 city and 42 Hwy, why are we seeing a significant reduction from the 2007 and older Smart ForTwo? More importantly, somewhere here, we have posts that state, the Smarts on the Road Tour (European Models) are getting High 40s. These are spending days in slow city touring modes and off days on highways between cities. What is the difference between European and American engines giving up so many miles/gallon in ratings?

[BeSmart]

There was a change in the mpg rating system this year. The rating of many models dropped with the new rating system. The technical details of the difference escape me. Maybe someone else understands the difference in the rating system this year. Right now there are only 2 vehicles that do better than the smart. They are hybrid (with batteries), I think, the Prius and Honda something.

[MicroNut]

Originally Posted by BeSmart

There was a change in the mpg rating system this year. The rating of many models dropped with the new rating system. The technical details of the difference escape me...

The main differences in the 2008 tests are: faster acceleration, higher top speed, colder initial start temperature and greater air conditioner use. All these changes are supposed to reflect more typical usage of your average American vehicle. Of course, the net effect is a considerable decrease in estimated mpg compared to the 2007 ratings.

The intent is to make the EPA estimates more accurate. Whether they are successful across a wide range of vehicle (small engine, large engine, hybrid, etc.) remains to be seen.

[propes]

I think one of the other ones, which really killed the hybrid's MPG, is that a reduction (if not elimination) of emphasis on gas consumption while idle.

[Carnut]

Better than I thought. Here is a quote from one of their posters that converted it to U.S. equivilants.

For our USA members, in US MPG, that is:

49 MPG highway 40 MPG city 44 MPG overall

Of course our EPA testing might be under different conditions.

[SmartBob]

Carnut: that seems about right.

[a2jack]

Fredvon4.

Guess there are lots more people interested in MPG then we thought.

All aside, those Canadian MPG numbers are just what the doctor ordered to quiet some of the Smart bashers in the auto press.

Best Regards.
A2Jack.

[DaveInTexas]

When I test drove the Smart ths past Sunday, I asked a couple of the guys that were driving the cars from point A to point B and they were saying at 65-75 MPH they were seing around 53 MPG.

I sure hope this is correct and being that the car is basically a standard transmission without the slip of a torque converter I wouldn't see why it shouldn't be possible.

[Fredvon4]

a2jack

Obviously we are all interested... but the fact remains..we all now from history that no "sticker" is ever right on the mark. It seems that this car, at it's weight and HP, should get in the 40+MPG range and will not be a 50+MPG super economy car.... I think that is what people really want to know... Of course where in the 40+MPG range will depend a LOT on terrain and Right foot... ;)

Now ..

OH! I almost forgot---- MY iron butt motorcycle story...there I was newly Drafted as enlisted-man Army and completed basic at Ft Ord Calif. First duty station Ft lewis WA...my 1972 Triumph 650 Bonneville and Lucas electronics giving me trouble..... AH, never mind, most of it is embellished lies any way...

Where were we?

[mfoster]

Be careful on their mileage calculations. The speedo was kilometers