No Diesel 453

[Thrumbleux]

There seems to be some speculation as to whether there will be a Diesel version of the forthcoming 453 fortwo.
According to Autocar (31/07/13) there will be Mercedes-Renault developed 3 cylinder petrols offered in 65hp NA trim, and 85 and 105 hp in turbo form with 6 speed manual transmissions as standard and with the option of a 7 speed DCT.
So that's it for the IC powered versions (there's an all electric version). No Diesel and 3 pedals as standard.
The lack of Diesel option while surprising given the thirst for maximum fuel economy displayed by some fortwo owners and prospective owners isn't that much of a shock to those who understand what it costs to build a small Diesel and the effect on the purchase price - but manual as standard on a city car that has always had 2-pedal operation as standard?

[superstevie]

Re: No Diesel 453

Very few other small cars have Diesel engines, and the ones that do, have ones that fit several other cars.

Manual isn't a problem, most city cars have them. Will be a first in its class to get a dual clutch though, can't think of any others. Vw is a single one

[madDan]

Re: No Diesel 453

Diesel probably not seen as ideal in a city environment maybe?

[Evilution]

Re: No Diesel 453

The guy I know at smart told me no diesel.
Not sure about the manual though, it'll please some and 7 gear dual clutch will please a lot more.
I've seen a few close ups of the new car, not enough to be totally sure about how it looks over all.

The lights are not square but not round, the rear glass wraps around a lot more, rear lights are alright, interior is OK too.
3 stud wheels and engine in the back. Seems to have a touch more bonnet too.

[Thrumbleux]

Re: No Diesel 453

Not sure about the manual though,

Well there's been plenty moans from the control freaks for a conventional 3 pedal manual. Hope they enjoy it. I wont be going near it.

it'll please some and 7 gear dual clutch will please a lot more.

Wonder how much extra it will add to the purchase price? And if it will be as reliable as the previous two (bullet proof) boxes. DCTs dont have the rep for reliability and the sensor count goes into orbit to make them function.

Seems to have a touch more bonnet too.

If people could be taught to look before stepping into the path of moving vehicles then we wouldn't need the pedestrian safety regs that are creating bonnets where none are otherwise needed. All part of the dumbing down the West is so fond of these days.

[steve_1360]

Re: No Diesel 453

I guess the no diesel option is because city cars don't get chance to regen the dpf. I know not all smarts are city cars but that is the target.

I'm interested to see what the new one looks like

[J500ANT]

Re: No Diesel 453

If it had a diesel engine it would have to comply with EU6 emissions, which (on a BMW) are costing iro £1k extra per car in "stuff" to implement. No idea what the stuff is though, but it wouldn't be worthwhile doing on a smart.

[Thrumbleux]

Re: No Diesel 453

If it had a diesel engine it would have to comply with EU6 emissions, which (on a BMW) are costing iro £1k extra per car in "stuff" to implement. No idea what the stuff is though, but it wouldn't be worthwhile doing on a smart.

Not so much 'stuff' added but the cost of redeveloping the engine (it amounts to a complete redesign of the combustion process) to meet the regs. It also tends to lead to poorer performance and economy.
Can't help but think some will be disappointed by the lack of an oil burner (not me) and that 451 CDIs should hold their price well on resale. CDIs fetching twice the price of an MHD of the same age? Who'd bet against it?