The Americanized version of the Smart car gets 40 miles per gallon, according to results of fuel economy testing from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The 2005 model year Smart Car Americanized for ZAP is the nation’s most fuel-efficient all-gas turbo-powered car according to the EPA testing lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It also ranks third overall behind two hybrid models according to the EPA’s SmartWay Green Vehicle Guide. The Smart car had to receive some minor adjustments from importer ZAP before it could be brought stateside. See also: More info on ZAP’s import plans.
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03/22, 4:25 PM
posted by:
Angus Chisholm
The smart For2 has been on sale for 3 years in Australia and has doubled its sales numbers each successive year. 200 the first year, 400 the second and 800 last year. The secret of its success I think is that the more people see the smart, the more acceptance it is receiving. A trend that is likely to be repeated in the USA.
03/22, 4:45 PM
posted by:
NW_Mike
OK, besides being hideous (my own opinion, I realize) what’s so great about 40mpg? For a 2 person car (normaly sports cars) it’s not that compelling. I would hate to be involved in an accident in that thing.
03/22, 4:56 PM
posted by:
gsh
um, doesnt the corolla and civic already get close to 40mpg? then add in the hybrids and i dont see the smart becoming any more than glorified golf carts.
03/22, 5:05 PM
posted by:
Ahk-Med
I agree, 40mpg isn’t very impressive when you consider the “sacrifice” you make over a “real” auto.
It’s seems logical that smaller vehicles are less safe, but the truth is that engineering plays a much larger role in safety than size of the vehicle. The article below was linked by a LLN reader in a previous Smart discussion.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/040908.htm
I don’t know for sure, but I would be really suprised if the NHTSA didn’t apply the same standards to Smart as they did any other vehicle.
Beyond the NHTSA is the mighty Insurance Institute For Highway Safety. Greed drives them to saftey, if there was a problem with Smart they’ll let you know.
03/22, 5:39 PM
posted by:
Heydn
That’s too bad! I was expecting a higher rating. I own a Civic Hybrid and driving from Nashville, TN to Clearwater, FL, driving around Clearwater for a few days, and back to Nashville, my trip computer (maybe it’s rigged…) said that I got 51mpg.
If that’s the truth, perhaps buying a Smart is more about principal than incredible fuel efficiency.
I’m sure everyone here’s seen it–there’s a video Fifth Gear did of a Smart Fortwo colliding into a concrete block at 70 miles per hour. The passenger compartment, aside from shattered plastic bits, remained completely intact. Both doors could still open, even. Someone on LLN (I think) said that Smart’s cars rely on other vehicles crumple zones, which I think this video segment disproves.
03/22, 6:04 PM
posted by:
Blair
Well I live in Canada and own a 2005 Smart ForTwo CDI, as we do not have the gas engine here. I consistently get in the 60-65mpg range for city driving in my car, not sure on highway as I dont use the car on the highway. I really enjoy this car and it is super practical for city living, cheap, small, easy to park and drive and fun!
The safety of the Smart comes from the Tridion saftey cell which is essentially a roll cage built around the passenger area, penetration of this cell is very difficult. There has been a case of a Smart t-boned on the highway at 135 km/h by a Kia SUV, the Smart rolled several times but the driver was in much better shape than SUV driver.
03/22, 7:26 PM
posted by:
XPsionic
40 MPG is quite horrible for such a tiny little car with no trunk or four seats. I think the diesel version sold in europe and Canada (where I am) is more like it.
Why give up so much practicality and get so little improvement in mileage when you can get a Civic or a Corolla. Its not like the Smart will be cheap either. Sounds like the importer is betting on people buying the car just for the exclusivity and “cuteness” (if you consider the Smart cute). Financially the Smart sounds like a pretty dumb buy with a gas engine.
03/23, 12:21 AM
posted by:
WHUT
I’d like to see the 1.2 occupants.
03/23, 5:29 PM
posted by:
nw_mike
“I’d like to see the 1.2 occupants”
I don’t know, sounds gory!
04/13, 6:25 AM
posted by:
Dolly
Not being funny or anything but the tests they do must be different to uk because uk smarts get about 60mpg petrol and CDI get around anywhere from 80mpg. True 60mpg isnt great now but it was in 1998.
05/30, 9:44 PM
posted by:
texastoyota
The Corolla is the best selling car in the world. The manual transmission gets 32/41 and the auto. gets 30/38. Plus, how much is a comparably equipped Smart? That I would really like to know. The Corolla comes standard with A/C, AM/FM/CD, plus Toyota’s legendary QDR (quality, durability, reliability). Honda makes great cars as well. Why the heck would you buy a two seater with sketchy QDR and history when you could buy a Toyota or Honda and get more for your money? They have GREAT resale/retained value, have low emissions, and get outstanding gas mileage, plus you can ride FIVE people!!!