Howdy smart car believers,

The smart fortwo recently battled in a four car fuel economy test sponsored by Edmunds and did pretty good.   The fortwo achieved the following miles per gallon (mpg) ratings during the test: 

• Backroads:  43.9 mpg
• City             34.0 mpg
• Highway      40.0 mpg
• Average       40.0 mpg

This is very close to its EPA ratings of 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

The following four 2008 models completed in the test:

• Ford Focus
• smart fortwo
• VW Jetta Diesel
• Toyota Prius Hybrid

The test consisted of three stages of driving (backroads, city and highway) Then two calculation tests were conducted (average mpg for entire trip and fuel cost, greenhouse gas emissions).

Listed below are the test results:

Stage 1: Backroads (334 miles) [average of 55-65 mph]

1. Jetta    47.3 mpg
2. Prius   46.0  
3. fortwo 43.9
4. Focus  36.9

Stage 2: City (133 miles)

1. Prius    52.4 mpg
2. fortwo 34.0
3. Jetta     32.6
4. Focus   23.6

Stage 3:  Highway (209 miles) [75 mph average]

1. Jetta     48.9 mpg
2. Prius     47.7
3. fortwo   40.0
4. Focus    37.5

Stage 4a:  Total Trip (676 miles)

1. Prius      47.7 mpg
2. Jetta       43.8
3. fortwo    40.0
4. Focus     33.3

Stage 4b: Total fuel cost:

1. Prius     $53.32   (14.17 gallons @ $3.76/gal : regular gas)
2. fortwo  $66.37  (16.90 gallons @ $3.92/gal : premium gas)
3. Jetta      $66.66   (15.43 gallons @ 4.32 /gal : diesel fuel)
4. Focus    $75.96  (20.30 gallons @ $3.74/gal : regular gas)

Stage 5: Greenhouse gas emissions during test

1. Prius     .18 tons  (360 lbs)
2. Jetta      .19 tons (380 lbs)
3. fortwo  .22 tons (440 lbs)
4. Focus   .26 tons (520 lbs)

In summary, the smart fortwo did well in the tests taking 2nd or 3rd place in each stage.  Achieving 2nd place for the total fuel cost despite needing premium gas says alot about the smart’s design to achieve good gas mileage ratings in both the city and highway driving, thus making it an excellent commuting vehicle!

Take a look at the video to view more details about the test.

http://www.edmunds.com/

After viewing the video, take some time to study the results, and ask yourself “Does the smart car meet my current and future driving needs?” With gasoline prices over $4 a gallon, I believe many Americans will seriously consider high fuel efficiency vehicles.

Also, I’m curious with around 7,000 smart cars sold in America this year (2008) so far, what have smart car owners been achieving for fuel efficiency?  

Let the “HooD” know by writing a comment to this blog.

Finally, to get a better appreciation of all the smart fortwo qualities and features check out:

http://www.america-smart-car-guide.com/

 Together we can make a difference for our country,

 Your “Smart Car Guy”,