Starting this October Smart is making its micro-hybrid-drive system standard equipment on the ForTwo in Europe with the 61hp and 71hp gas engines. The micro-hybrid system is just an automated start-stop system and doesn't include and regenerative braking capability. The system has already been available as an option in the more powerful engine since 2007. Smart claims the auto start-stop reduces combined fuel consumption on the NEDC test by eight percent. Those who drive mainly in dense urban areas (which is likely most Smart drivers) can see savings of up to 20 percent. The setup shuts off the engine whenever the driver is braking and the vehicle speed drops below 5mph and automatically fires it up when the brake is released.

Diesel powered Smarts also get an upgraded closed particulate filter for 2009 that removes even more of the soot from the exhaust. All Smarts are also getting interior upgrades including new gauges for the new model year. We'll probably see the interior changes on US bound Smarts but there has been no word on whether we will see the powertrain upgrades. The Daimler press release is after the jump.

[Source: Smart]

A lot of Americans who were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Smart ForTwo on our shores have been disappointed by the mileage figures that reach only into the upper thirties. Over in Europe, Smart offers the ForTwo with automatic start-stop systems and in a diesel configuration that is the most efficient internal combustion car currently available. The Smart ForTwo CDi is rated at 71mpg (U.S.) but American drivers won't be getting a crack at it anytime soon. Unfortunately, that diesel isn't Tier 2 Bin 5 compliant meaning Smart wouldn't be able to offer it in some of their biggest potential markets like California and New York. According to SmartUSA president Dave Schembri, the diesel Smart also wouldn't provide the performance Americans would expect. I haven't yet driven the new second-generation Smart diesel. However, the first-generation model that passed through the ABG garage last summer certainly had leisurely acceleration. Nonetheless for a car that is primarily an urban runabout, it's probably perfectly adequate. Perhaps if diesel popularity picks up in the next couple of years and Smart's popularity is sustainable the company will reconsider.

[Source: MLive]