When will the SmartCar diesel Hybrid be available for purchase in the USA?

Question

This car is reportedly capable of up to 80 mpg. Can it be ordered from overseas, if its not available here yet?

Answer 1

My understanding is that the SmartCar is just a small (compact or mini) turbo diesel. At least that's the only version that's been allowed for sale in Canada for emissions reasons.

Be careful when you read the MPG claims. For example, the MPG ratings on the Canadian test cycle are in Imperial gallons, which are larger than US gallons (so higher resulting MPG). Also, the test cycles are different than the US EPA test cycles, so you aren't comparing the same thing.

The other issue (besides being certified to meet the US safety regulations) is that of the emissions of diesel vehicles. In some US states, you cannot buy a new diesel because the emissions are so high. I suspect that once the current phase-in of the low sulfur diesel fuel (which Europe has had for some time now) is complete, you may see more diesels in the US. (The high sulfur diesel fuel will pollute the emissions systems in the modern advanced diesels.)

If you look around, you can find some modified Smart cars available for sale in the US. Only the ForTwo model so far, and not the ForFour.
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/
http://www.zapworld.com/cars/smartcar.asp
The Americanized Zap Smartcar is only rated for 40 US MPG (48 Imp. MPG), though.

I believe that most any Canadian model can be imported to the US, with the right paperwork and duties/taxes paid, though.

The only hybrid Smart that I've heard of is a planned all-electric vehicle, manufactured by Hybrid Technologies. http://www.hybridtechnologies.com/

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_(automobile)

Answer 2

Hello!! :o) The 'Smart' car [Known as the 'Smart ForTwo'] has been sold in Canada for several years now. [Perhaps you could order one from there] And it's been quite popular. The Smart ForTwo is NOT a hybrid. It is simply a very light car [1,609 lbs] with a very tiny turbocharged diesel engine. [A 0.8 litre 3 cylinder diesel that makes 40 h.p. @ 4,200 RPM and 74 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 2,800 RPM. ] And it's very economical - getting 70+ mpg on the highway. I took one for a test drive about a year ago. It was surprisingly comfortable - especially considering the fact that it's only 98.4" long. [That's less than the wheelbase for most cars] But it's painfully slow. But - that's OK. [At least I thought so] It is also - apparently - very safe. The 'cage' that surrounds the two passengers is very rigid. I have heard that by the time the Smart ForTwo is sold in the U.S. - it will be the slightly updated 2007 version. I've seen some SPY SHOTS of the new model and it looks like only a mild update. [as far as looks are concerned] My guess? It will be in the U.S. this time next year. I hope that helps. Craig!! :o)