smart builds on success with a new model in 2009

smart widens its appeal going into 2009 by launching a new model which gives customers even more value for money and continuing its drive towards a greener future.

On the back of the recently launched smart mhd (micro hybrid drive), which offers fuel savings of up to 24% in stop-start situations, the eagerly anticipated smart cdi, goes on sale in March 2009. The smart cdi returns a staggering 83.1 miles per gallon on the combined cycle and boasts the lowest CO2 emissions of any current production car at just 88g/km.

The smart brand has also been buoyed by the latest new car registration figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) which show smart is bucking the trend, despite the current economic doom and gloom. Registrations in 2008, at 7,526, were 43.3% improved on the 2007 figure.

“smart’s reputation for affordability and economy is growing and the range is being considered by an increasing number of motorists who are seeking to reduce their motoring costs,” said Dermot Kelly, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz UK.

“Considerable interest is already being generated in the new smart mhd, which became standard on 61hp and 71hp petrol-powered smart models late last year,” he added, “and with the imminent arrival of the smart cdi we’re confident that smart will continue to attract more customer interest as the year progresses.”

A pioneering market trial of 100 fully electric smart fortwos is also underway in the UK. The smart ed emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter or any harmful substance. It has a top speed of 60mph (electronically limited), a range of 70 miles on a single charge, can achieve the equivalent of 300mpg, and is charged by simply plugging it directly into any UK mains 3 pin plug socket.

The smart range of petrol cars starts from £6,912.44 on-the-road and is available through the Mercedes-Benz Retail network.