Smart fortwo mhd: fuel saving Smarts

September 2, 8:57 PMAuto Review ExaminerJohn Matras

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The Smart fortwo is making hybrid standard equipment…but sorry, you can’t have it. 

Beginning in October, all 61 and 71 hp gasoline-fueled Smart fourtwo models sold in Europe will be equipped with “micro hybrid drive” (mhd) as standard equipment. The mhd system had previously been available on the 71 hp engines, though it’s not what we consider a hybrid but rather the control electronics shut down the engine as soon as the driver brakes and the vehicle's speed falls below 8 km/h (about 5 mph), as when approaching traffic lights. Then the driver lifts his foot from the brake pedal, the engine restarts.

There’s still a benefit, however. Overall fuel savings on the European cycle are expected to be about eight percent—about 50 to 54 mpg—although urban driving could see a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Diesel-powered Smart fourtwo will get a “closed particulate trap” instead of an “open particulate trap,” reducing a major component of diesel emissions. Not only does the 3-cylinder turbocharged 45 hp diesel get an overall rating of 69 mpg, but at 88 grams per kilometer, the “Smart fortwo diesel is the world champion in low CO2 emissions,” according to the company.

However, emissions and safety requirements differ between the US and EU, requiring separate certification procedures, and Smart isn’t having trouble selling cars in the US as it is. So the unfortunate bottom line is that at least for now you can’t have the stingiest of Smart fortwo models here in the US. 

Illustrations: Top, "micro hybrid drive" badge; bottom: 2009 Smart fourtwo mhd