Mercedes Smart

Oct 21 2009

By motorsnortheast

Mercedes-Benz Newcastle City West Business Park, Scotswood Road. Tel: 0191 4479163 Go to dealer website » From the outset, Smart has been committed to making vehicles that are as environmentally friendly as possible. The same applies to the construction of the cars. Consequently, it is hardly surprising that they have fully supported the Government's objective to replace older, more polluting vehicles with new, cleaner cars. And, as you'll have spotted elsewhere, small is beautiful when it comes to the Scrappage scheme. You can choose any Smart model you like, ranging from the new Smart fortwo cdi, the world's lowest CO2 emitting and most fuel- efficient production car, to the innovative micro hybrid drive (mhd) or the sporty Brabus. Most models are available as either a coupe or cabriolet. The cheapest way to get into a Smart via the Scrappage scheme is with the entry level Smart fortwo Coupe, costing £6,517. This version comes with Smart's micro hybrid drive which is essentially a stop- start system whereby the engine switches off automatically at traffic lights or in a traffic jam, and back on when things get moving again. The same thing happens when you brake and fall below a speed of 5mph. When the time comes to set off again, take your foot off the brake pedal and the engine seamlessly restarts, automatically engaged in first gear ready to continue your journey. It all helps boost economy. If you want mind-boggling levels of economy, aim for the Smart fortwo Pulse Coupe cdi which will return an estimated 85.6mpg. When you include all of the Scrappage savings, the price falls to £7,227. If you want to let the sunshine in, the cheapest Smart fortwo Cabriolet will cost £8,426 under the scheme. There are times of course, when some extra power comes in really handy. That is certainly the case with the new Smart Brabus Xclusive – 0-60mph comes up in just over nine seconds and the engine note is fabulous. It looks really cool too. The Coupe version, under the Scrappage scheme, will cost £12,117 and the Cabriolet will be £14,026. Get ready to take the 'grin factor' off the scale.