X

Photos: Smart ForTwo Micro-Hybrid

On October 15, Smart will start producing a hybrid version of its tiny Smart ForTwo city car. This European-only car gets approximately 13 percent better fuel economy than the already frugal standard ForTwo.

CNET Reviews staff
smart_h_01_440.jpg
1 of 6 Smart
The Smart ForTwo Micro-Hybrid, based on the 1-liter Smart ForTwo, isn't really much of a hybrid--it merely incorporates a start-stop system that shuts off the engine when it's stopped in traffic. However, this system will save gas in heavy traffic.
smart_h_02_440.jpg
2 of 6 Smart
Where the standard ForTwo gets about 50mpg, the Micro-Hybrid version gets an estimated 54mpg. Along with the fuel savings, the Micro-Hybrid gets a similar reduction in emissions.
smart_h_03_440.jpg
3 of 6 Smart
To create this start-stop system, Smart removed the starter motor and replaced the generator with a combined starter/generator.
smart_h_04_440.jpg
4 of 6 Smart
The engine in the Micro-Hybrid automatically shuts off when the driver is pressing the brake and the car slows to below 5mph. The system quickly restarts the engine when the driver releases the brake.
smart_h_05_440.jpg
5 of 6 Smart
The transmission, an automated five-speed manual, is the same in both the standard version and the Micro-Hybrid.
smart_h_06_440.jpg
6 of 6 Smart
Both the standard ForTwo and the Micro-Hybrid have 71 horsepower and a top speed of 90mph. The standard ForTwo is set to be sold in the U.S. early next year, but there is no word on whether the Micro-Hybrid will find its way here.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos