Stuttgart - Daimler will fit the petrol-engined Smart fortwo with a micro-hybrid start-stop system beginning in October this year, the car maker announced.

The system would reduce fuel consumption by an average 8 per cent with up to 20 per cent savings possible in city driving conditions, the company said.

In addition the Smart fortwo cdi will be equipped with a closed diesel particulate filter that almost completely eradicates particulate emissions.

Daimler lists average consumption of both the 52 kW/71 hp and the 45 kW/61 hp engines with a micro-hybrid at 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres with a carbon dioxide emission figures reduced to 103 grammes per kilometre.

The start-stop system allows the control electronics to shut down the engine as soon as the driver brakes and speed drops below 8 kmh when approaching traffic lights. (dpa)