Entries Tagged 'BMW' ↓

While the BMW 5-Series might not come to mind when gas mileage is a prime consideration, a look at the numbers can be an eye-opener. Over the years, the six-cylinder equipped 5-Series’ peak highway mile per gallon (MPG) ratings have hovered in the high twenties to low thirties. It’s about to get better …

Continue reading →

While fuel efficiency might seem like the latest craze, we’ve been tuned into it for years. 40 MPG cars are nothing new. Other sources may be content to simply throw up a photograph and a paragraph or two about any given economy car. We take the time to put hundreds and hundreds of miles on each and every odometer. We test for real-world fuel-efficiency with a light-footed driving style … because mileage matters.

Through comprehensive testing, we’ve found that a number of cars are capable of exceeding their highway fuel efficiency ratings when driven conscientiously. Some cars rated in the high 30 MPG range can eclipse the 40 MPG mark. It’s all in the way you drive. Over the last few years, we’ve tested a range of 40 MPG (highway) cars, including:

• Audi A3 TDI
• BMW 335d
• Chevy Cruze Eco
• Chevy Sonic
• Chevy Volt
• Fiat 500
• Ford Fiesta
• Ford Focus
• Ford C-MAX SEL Hybrid
• Ford Fusion Hybrid
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Honda CR-Z
• Honda Insight
• Hyundai Accent
• Hyundai Elantra
• Hyundai Veloster
• Kia Rio
• Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
• Mazda3 Skyactiv
• MINI Cooper
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Prius C
• Toyota Yaris
• Volkswagen Golf TDI
• Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI

Continue reading →

Why hasn’t MINI brought their fantastically fuel-efficient diesel-powered MINI D here to the States?

It’s largely a question of dollars and sense.

The current MINI D uses the 1.6-liter DLD-416 (DV6) I4 turbo-diesel engine. Versions of this engine can be found under the hood of various Citroëns, Fords, Mazdas, Peugeots, and Volvos. The engine is built through a partnership between Ford and Peugeot.

Quite simply, it’s not BMW/MINI’s engine and the investment in producing a 50-state certified version of the engine is not in the cards.

Continue reading →

I was inspired to knock out a quick CNN iReport this morning, based on the recent developments in Washington. While this might not be what you expect, it goes right to the heart of the matter at GM. I recently had the chance to review a Pontiac G8 GT back-to-back with a BMW 335d. After evaluating each car for a week, I was impressed with both. For the folks that think that GM can’t build a car that’s competitive with the imports, I can only suggest that they take a G8 GT out for a test drive.

Continue reading →

MPG-o-Matic BMW 335d Review Summary: . The 2009 BMW 335d sets a new standard for performance-oriented sedans, by delivering a remarkable combination of fuel economy, acceleration, handling, and electronics.

The 2009 BMW 335d is like nothing else on the road in America today. While it looks, for all intents and purposes, like typical 3-series BMW, the 335d’s game-changing clean diesel engine transforms the car into a tour de force to be reckoned with.

Continue reading →