This weekend sees the start of the 2008 World Solar Challenge and amongst the technology-rich field of prototypes will be a smart fortwo.

The iconic two-seater, which completed the week-long drive using diesel-engine power at the last World Solar Challenge in 2005, will commence the journey south from Darwin to Adelaide this Sunday, this time equipped with marque’s 698 cc three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The popular and unique car is expected to cover the 3,500-plus kilometre trip using around four litres of petrol per 100 kilometres travelled, an astonishingly low rate of fuel consumption in anyone’s language.

In a genuine real-world test of the car’s efficient and clean on-road performance, the 45 kW fortwo will be driven by non-professional drivers and operate on commercially available pump fuel. The smart fortwo is sure to be a focal point during the week-long drive, not solely because of its unique design but also because of its impressive fuel consumption and exhaust emission figures.

“This is the perfect stage on which to demonstrate the smart fortwo’s environmentally sound design,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director for Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“It might be ideal for city life but the fortwo will be in its element next week making the long but fuel-efficient journey from Darwin,” said von Sanden.

Entrants from around the world participate in the World Solar Challenge. The smart fortwo will compete in the event’s Greenfleet technology class, which is designed to enhance public awareness of the fact that environmentally sound vehicles can be a practical transport alternative.

The World Solar Challenge was created by Danish adventurer Hans Tholstrup and was first staged in 1987.