The Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid are currently top in the UK when it comes to waving green credentials but, in terms of CO2 emissions, this time next year the top two eco-friendly cars will be produced by Smart.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Both models will be based around the redesigned ForTwo city car that goes on sale next month. The first will be badged the MHD, for Micro Hybrid Drive, and will arrive in showrooms early next year with a GBP150 price premium over the standard version. It features stop-start technology thanks to a belt-driven starter generator that cuts the engine when the car comes to halt at traffic lights, junctions and the like.


MHD will be available as a coupé or cabrio and in all three trim levels, but only with a 71bhp engine. Fuel economy rises from 60.1 to 65.7mpg, and there’s a reduction in CO2 emissions from 112 to 103g/km.


That undercuts the Prius and Civic at 104 and 109g/km respectively but the ace up Smart’s sleeve for the UK is a ForTwo 800cc diesel with impressive figures of 85.6mpg and 88g/km of CO2. However, there is a downside – it’s not exactly what you’d call fast. The two-seater doesn’t hit 60mph for 19.8 seconds and top speed is only 84mph … and it’s left-hand drive (as all Smarts were initially when the brand first launched here some years ago).


A spokeswoman said: “We’re not expecting a large number of orders but because of the low CO2 emissions it’s worth us offering. Like all new Smarts, it will be exempt from the London congestion charge when the emissions-based tolling proposal takes effect.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

She said the diesel would appeal to urban-based commuters with short journeys who didn’t need particularly quick acceleration.


“We will be numbers one and two in the country on emissions, which is a great story for Smart,” she added.