“The smart is one of the greenest cars you can buy, but Mercedes recently unveiled a trio of even more economical models: a battery-electric prototype, a new diesel and a petrol version that switches off below 5mph.”
This was the sub-head of a very positive article in the Daily Telegraph motoring section on Saturday 5 July about the newest “eco” additions to the smart range. The journalist reviewed each model separately:
smart mhd
“What the mhd does is turn off the engine when your speed drops below 5mph – rolling to a stop at traffic lights, for example – then start it again as soon as you take your foot off the brake pedal. Imagine if every engine in every car in every town behaved in this way. What would it do for fuel consumption? What would it do for particulate emissions? How much sweeter the air, how much quieter the walk?”
smart cdi
“With diesel currently at 132p per litre, there is something of a smile to be had out of pootling around town at 80mpg plus, never mind raising two fingers to the Treasury and the oil companies.”
smart ed
“Initial acceleration is scorching.”
“In its natural urban environment, the electric smart is a hoot. The limited top speed is never a problem and there’s enough instant surge to go for gaps in the traffic. It’s also reassuring that the smart has a four-star crash safety rating.”
For even more about the smart in the Telegraph, follow this link to their environmental feature Smart ed - the future of eco-friendly cars?
