Smart hybrid on the cards

DAIMLER is expected to introduce a hybrid variant of its new-generation Smart ForTwo micro-car in the US before 2010, and will follow this up with a rechargeable all-electric version.

Quoted in a Reuters report last week, Smart USA president David Schembri said that a “micro-hybrid is a derivative that you could see here in the next two years” – and that an all-electric version was likely “a few years away”.

The all-new ForTwo is due in Oz next February and, combined with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, will be one of the most economical cars on the market.

An even more frugal 800cc diesel – consuming a mere 3.4L/100km – is also on the cards.