The legendary smart fortwo cdi was given the “Overall Best MPG” award at the exclusive ALD Automotive Shell FuelSave MPG Marathon 2011. The smart reported an incredible 99.24mpg -- the most economical outcome ever recorded in the 11-year history of the competition. Eco driving champion Mick Linford and co-driver Ella Flynn steered the smart through more than 370.9 miles of challenging roads around Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and Somerset for two days. The smart cdi has won the MPG on all three instances it has been entered, and constantly with “Eco Mick” at the wheel.
In this year’s assessment, the smart cdi was 12.84mpg more efficient compared to its closest competitor. Rough weather and powerful winds made driving situations very difficult, as explained by Mick. He narrated that he was "determined to break the magical 100mpg mark this year," but the weather "and one particularly hilly section" was against them. "To get so close is a double-edged sword," he remarked. However, he said he was "delighted" that the smart delivered "incredible results" regardless of the challenges.
With carbon dioxide emissions at only 86g/km, the economical 54bhp smart cdi turned out to be the best option for the two-day challenge that illustrates how eco-driving can improve safety, considerably decrease fuel expenses and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars -- Gary Savage -- commented that to win the challenge "for three years on the trot is an exceptional result," adding that it is more than 15 percent better compared to the official combined fuel consumption figure of 85.6mpg.
