Smart and the US vs Germany

[BobbyBRD]

I'm hands down one of the biggest Smart fans you'll ever come accross. I lived my whole life in germany and at the age of 27 moved to Florida. Yes, I have both citizenships.
In August of 2001 I bought a silver/silver Passion cdi. Trying to get all I could out of every liter I had a best milage of 107 per gallon(properly converted) Now I realize driving approx 60mph up and down the Autobahn is not representative of the actuall consumption in day to day traffic but to hear that people in the states are getting the mid 30s is not acceptable. I have a 05 hyundai Accent, MT, and average 38,5. In my 04 Honda Civic I achieved 43,2. (75%highway)

At this point in time I should tell you I've ordered a Black/Black Passion fully loaded. Delivery is estimated at Nov '08 to Jan '09. This vehicle will be driven 95% highway and 37 miles at a time. I'm sure my milage will by far exeed the ones I've read about. I sincerily hope to hear of other being more successfull.

Be sure to check on the UK websites on aftermarket upgrades.

Drive safe

Bobby

PS: Why can't these decision makers get of their behinds and allow us small TDIs?

[knutliott]

Your silver/silver Passion is a 450 diesel. We're only getting the gas 451 here in the US. The 451 is a bigger, heavier car in order to meet US crash safety standards. And our emissions requirements make importing the Mercedes diesel expensive so we're not getting it just yet.

Some people are reporting mileage in the mid 40's, but that's about as good as it's going to get in a gas 451.

[BobbyBRD]

when you mentioned emissions i couldn't help but smile. our average engine is at the least a 6 if not an 8. how bad can a smart cdi be compared to let's say my f-150 or your tahoe??

[mdfortwoguy]

http://www.aqmd.gov/TAO/FleetRules/1...MDV-7-1-02.pdf

Considering the Tahoe and F150 were ULEV back in 2002, I'd say they might give you a run for the money.

It should also be noted that the Mitsubishi engine in the 451 is actually worse than the average US vehicle for emissions...