Mercedes & Smart Diesel Models

[wrightkiller]

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp3.blogger.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/R41rV_xlqkI/AAAAAAAAgtw/B85Zwh_DDmk/s400/DieselMBS_11.JPG&imgrefurl=http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/01/mercedes-smart-diesel-models-travel.html&h=267&w=400&sz=20&hl=en&start=463&tbnid=sf3u6yocSHk8cM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3DDIESEL%2BMOTORCYCLES%26start%3D460%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

[Doug]

You know what I talked to a lady at the pumps one time about it.
I get the impression its not much better on fuel than a conservatively driven diesel VW.

That and she said it handled like drunk on skates in the snow

[biobill]

  Is the diesel smartie available in the US?  I've only heard of the gasser which, at 40mpg, doesn't excite me too much.  My 25 yr old VW diesels do better and carry more.

[Geno]

It should be available soon as an 09 model. Even in states with Calif. emissions in effect, like NY. I've been to 2 VW dealerships recently here in NY and both had a deisel Jetta demo and are taking orders for more which *should* be soon.
Thanks, Gene

[blacksea7]

Being a born and bred, dyed in the wool, smoker advocate (diesel engine freak), I had the opportunity in Canada to take a diesel Smart for a ride... OMG... it might have given us decent mileage but DAMN, was it underpowered... 70mph was a longgggggg way down the road... might work as a metro buggy but on the highway.... no, no, no... as for the gas I've heard the same thing.. mileage wasn't what the owners expected it to be... think I'll keep riding my Wing.

[Doug]

You know part of the problem might infact be its more a commuter car than a high way machine.
It might be geared all wrong

[t19]

They are a great little grocery getter but stay off the highways....

I would rather have one of the many new diesels coming out in the next few years... or a Chevey Metro... they seat 4, use gas and get nearly 60 MPG and that is in a car nearly 20 years old

[rcavictim]

They are a great little grocery getter but stay off the highways....

I would rather have one of the many new diesels coming out in the next few years... or a Chevey Metro... they seat 4, use gas and get nearly 60 MPG and that is in a car nearly 20 years old

I am currently looking for a Metro to gut and make an EV or hybrid out of.  There are a bunch of versions of this car with different badges.  Suzuki Sprint for example.  There are enthusiast forums on the web about how people get extreme mileage from them.  IMO, trouble with them is that as they do not use light weight, expensive modern composites to shave weight which is basically how they achieve great mileage while being able to be moved by a small engine, they do this by making the sheet metal only thick enough to stop the light from shining through.  A collision with another object will leave a good impression, or more accurately I suppose, a bad impression.   

[tiger]

I just heard on the radio today that the smart car will not activate the road sensors that allow changeing the light for left turns at intersections. at least in the USA California.