| | I have used a Smart Car several times in Europe - the gas mileage claims of 60mpg are acurate (actually somewhat low) in my experience.
True. Driven a few of them over there myself: the fuel economy of the European Smart car is quite impressive. But, Zap's "Americanization" of Smart cars impacts that, to some not yet completely known extent...
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EPA Orders Smart Importer to Tone Down Economy Claim
Date Posted 03-04-2005
LOS ANGELES — Smart's U.S. struggles continue. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered importer ZAP to reduce the fuel economy claim for the two-seater cars from 60 mpg to 37 mpg, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.
California-based ZAP has stepped in to launch the DaimlerChrysler-built minicars this spring, while the manufacturer dithers over whether to launch the brand officially in America.
The EPA calculated the lower fuel economy result as part of its emission-certification testing of the cars. ZAP now says it will ask the agency to retest the car, which is powered by a three-cylinder 600-cc engine. At 37 mpg, the Smart would rank only ninth best in EPA's ratings, well behind such larger models as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and a long way behind hybrids like the Toyota Prius.
ZAP's marketing of the car has centered on its 60-mpg fuel consumption, but now it has had to withdraw the 60-mpg claim from its Web site. Steven Schneider, ZAP 's chief executive, said the company's fuel trials showed the Smart delivering readings of 50 to 60 mpg and he intended to ask the EPA for a retest. ZAP has orders for 3,600 of the $15,000 Smart cars.
What this means to you: ZAP may need to hope its customers will buy Smarts for their distinctive looks and small size rather than record-breaking low fuel consumption.
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