Smart Drivers Save More Than Money

The Chancellor recently announced a reduction in the annual road fund licence, as an incentive to drivers who choose the most environmentally friendly cars. For cars with CO2 emissions of 120 g/km or less it will be just £70. The ultra-green range of smart fall into this category, with CO2 emissions on the new cars of between 113 and 118 g/km.

Drivers who choose a new 2002 model year smart will also be able to save money at the petrol pumps. The new range of cars has been officially re-tested for miles per gallon and the results show a reduction in fuel consumption. An example is the smart City Coupe in sporty pulse trim, which now does a frugal 60.1 mpg in the combined cycle, an improvement of 2.5 mpg.

Acknowledgement of smart’s green credentials has recently come from the Environmental Transport Association which voted smart as its car of the year in 2002. Judges put the car top of a poll of over 800 cars assessed on a wide range of factors from fuel consumption to exhaust emissions.

According to ETA Managing Director, Andrew Davis, "The guide informs buyers of the least environmentally damaging vehicles on the market and the smart City Coupe with its minimal emissions and highly efficient fuel consumption emerged as our overall 2002 winner."

Dermot Kelly, Director of Mercedes-Benz and smart, said: "This award highlights smart’s position as one of the UK’s most environmentally friendly cars. The improved fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions also mean that customers feel the benefit of owning a smart by the amount of change in their pocket."

Prices of smart start from £6,265 on the road and standard specification across the range includes ABS, the TRUSTPLUS electronic traction and stability control system, driver and passenger airbags, electric windows, remote central locking, rev counter, clock and RDS radio cassette.