Autospeed article: Little Diesels - Lightweight cars with exceptional fuel economy

[MetroMPG]

Little Diesels

Lightweight cars with exceptional fuel economy from their small diesel engines


http://autospeed.com/cms/A_109062/article.html

Looks at the smart fortwo, VW Polo Bluemotion & the new Fiat 500

World’s Smallest Diesel

The DaimlerChrysler Smart FourTwo features the world’s smallest direct injection diesel engine. The 800c turbo 3-cylinder develops 33kW at just 3800 rpm.

Most Economical 5-Seater

Volkswagen claims their Polo BlueMotion is the most economical 5-seater in Europe.

The Fun Bubble



Not a tiny car like the original, nonetheless the new Fiat 500 can still claim to be amongst the most economical of cars in its class. It uses in one model a 16-valve, 1.3 litre (closer to 1200cc – it’s actually 1248cc) common rail diesel that develops 55kW at 4000 rpm and 145Nm at 1500 rpm.

[ezeedee]

sweet, we need to get some of those here!

[jwxr7]

Interesting, the Smart fourtwo weighs almost exactly the same as my metro and is rated at almost exactly what my 90 day average FE is . But I have about 10 hp on it .

[ezeedee]

Originally Posted by jwxr7

Interesting, the Smart fourtwo weighs almost exactly the same as my metro and is rated at almost exactly what my 90 day average FE is . But I have about 10 hp on it .

it probably has thrice your torque too.

[jwxr7]

looks like it has about 62.6 pound-feet and mine is around 58 pound-feet. So it has mine by a hair.
Too bad it will probably never reach the U.S. market.

[GasSavers_Glacial]

Originally Posted by jwxr7

looks like it has about 62.6 pound-feet and mine is around 58 pound-feet. So it has mine by a hair.
Too bad it will probably never reach the U.S. market.

The smart fortwo? It'll be out in the US as a 2008 model. You can put a $99 deposit down on one through smart USA right now! It's also, to be fair, nigh-indestructible and would probably benefit from some FE mods...

http://www.smartusa.com/

(also, yeehawr first post! longtime lurker etc)

[MetroMPG]

Hi Glacial -

I think jwxr7 was just talking about the diesel version of the smart, which won't be available in the US market (yet?).

[Rick Rae]

... and the gas version will be a far cry from the Euro Smart, as well.

Welcome aboard, Glacial!

Rick

[GasSavers_Glacial]

Thanks, all!

... wait, you don't get the diesel smart? Man, the oil companies ARE powerful down there!

We've had nothing BUT diesel smarts up here so far... The diesel's taking a break for the 2008 model year up here, since it's not emissions-compliant, but the Bluetec'll be selling in 2009.

Time to sneak a few over the border!

[jwxr7]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Hi Glacial -

I think jwxr7 was just talking about the diesel version of the smart, which won't be available in the US market (yet?).

Yeah, the diesel version is the one I wish we could get . Just like the diesel versions of alote of cool vehicles we don't get.