The meter is always running. But the problem is, we just don’t see it.

When you jump in a cab, the cab driver asks for your destination and starts the meter. You can see the cost rack up as you’re driven through town, as the cabbie’s meter (or trip calculator, if you will) provides feedback in real time.

What if your car gave you the same feedback? What if it automatically provided the cost of each and every trip? What if it went even further and told you how it cost each time you stomped on the accelerator pedal?

If you had immediate feedback, you might be more likely to change your driving habits and style.

You can calculate these costs with this equation:

( Distance Traveled / Miles Per Gallon ) * Cost Per Gallon

Or you can use our
MPG-o-Matic Trip Calculator …

Do you know how much it costs to commute to work each day?

What about a trip out to the stores?

How much could you save if you cut your miles traveled or increased your fuel economy?

While some folks have complained that their hybrid cars’ gas mileage falls short of the stated numbers, we found quite the opposite to be true. We were able to meet or beat the estimates with every hybrid we tested.

But here’s the rub …

Hybrid gas mileage depends largely on technique. If a driver fails to use the tools at their disposal and drives in an inefficient manner, they’ll struggle to hit the numbers.

Truth be told, it can take some effort to beat the official gas mileage estimates, no matter what you’re driving.

This is amplified with a hybrid car or SUV, where the right techniques can pay off with eye-popping numbers under the right conditions.

To achieve the best gas mileage in a hybrid, you’ll want to use the data provided by the dashboard to alter your driving technique.

When you minimize the pressure put on the pedals and maximize the use of inertia, you’re light footing.

The accompanying video shows the dashboards of three hybrid cars that deliver the highest gas mileage results: the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Honda Insight.

Each manufacturer takes a different approach when displaying real-time fuel efficiency.

The 2010 Toyota Prius tops the charts with an estimated 51 city / 48
highway miles per gallon (MPG).

Although the center-mounted real-time fuel-efficiency display in the Prius can draw the eye away from the road to a degree, our 55.1 MPG combined results – calculated from tank fills – proved the capabilities of a conscientiously driven Prius.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid official ratings of 41 city / 36 highway provide a hint of the car’s potential.

Using the configurable (although somewhat distracting) Smart Gauge dashboard display, we were able to easily trounce the estimates in the Fusion Hybrid, scoring an average of 44.5 MPG combined. The Smart Gauge display is an excellent training aid for light footed driving.

We found the 2010 Honda Insight to be conservatively rated at 40 city / 43 highway, and were able to easily trump the numbers with an average of
46.5 MPG combined.

The Insight’s subtle glowing ambient meter surrounds the speedometer allowing the eyes to maintain focus on traffic conditions. With a change in color from green to blue, the driver instantly senses fuel efficiency, without the need to draw attention away from the road.

Hybrids have been traditionally touted as shining over conventional vehicles in stop-and-go traffic. But the benefits clearly carry through to more open roads, when driven appropriately.

The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to cruise under electric power at speeds up to 47 miles per hour is a case-in-point. If you can adapt not just your driving technique, but also the route traveled, you can achieve remarkable results.

Although road conditions can prevent you from getting the optimum gas mileage at all times, the more in tune you are with your vehicle, the better the results.

Stay tuned for more videos on techniques and tactics that you can use to dial up your fuel efficiency.

2010 Hybrid Gas Mileage Ratings

It’s a great feeling knowing that someone has been listening. We’ve been banging the drum here at MPGomatic for two years now.

An average of 35.5 MPG is not a lofty goal, even in this shortened time frame. Back in March of 2008, MPGomatic opened some eyeballs and raised a lot of eyebrows when we published 35 MPG: Why Wait Until 2020, an article that provided details on the export-only fuel-efficient diesel-powered cars and SUVs that Chrysler builds right here in North America, half of which already hit the 35 MPG mark. Hundreds of thousands of folks have read that article and learned the truth over the past fourteen months.

In Europe, 35 MPG isn’t a goal. It’s the norm.

America need not and must not fear this change. We must embrace it with the realization that it is the best way forward.

35 MPG does not = wimpy cars.

BMW’s current lineup in Germany already hits an average of 35 MPG. To this point, this has been achieved without selling hybrid vehicles. Roughly fifty percent of the vehicles sold by BMW in Germany are powered by fuel-efficient clean diesel engines.

We’ve had the good fortune to spend time with two of BMW’s clean diesels, the 123d and the 335d. These are fantastically fun-to-drive driving machines.

While the little 123d is yet to be imported into the States, the 335d is currently available … with a federal tax credit, no less … and it’s a ball of clean green fun. In our week with the 335d, we were able to easily achieve highway mileage in the mid-forty MPG range, while blasting out six second 0-60 MPH times.

Why isn’t the conventional press screaming the praises of this car?

The road to the future will take multiple alternative fuel technologies, including clean diesel, NGV, hybrid, plug-in electric, extended-range electric, small-displacement direct-injected gasoline, and yes … even hydrogen.

Through our auto industry may be in tumult, the automakers now have a clear path to follow. Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors aren’t down for the count. They’re between rounds. Each one of these companies has the technology and the will to get this done.

Bring It On.

How heavy- footed are you?

While the current official fuel economy estimates are a reasonable starting point, a conscientious driver can beat the numbers. Although earlier estimates may have overstated mileage, the current figures can dramatically understate certain vehicles capabilities.

Depending on the car, good gas mileage is relative. If you have six people to move about, a four-seat vehicle won’t do. It’s important to compare apples to apples. Some small car zealots forget about the transportation requirements of extended families as well as the need to transport friends, along with family.

Ready to Replace Your Ride?

While the Toyota Prius (shown at left) and Honda Civic Hybrid are two long-running darlings, there’s an expanded range of new vehicles with good gas mileage on the market these days.

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (shown at right) marked the return of high-MPG diesel cars to the United States, while the 2010 Honda Insight carves out a new niche as the most affordable hybrid. With gas prices at less than half their peak, there are some great bargains out there.

Can’t afford (or don’t want) to buy a brand new car? The previously-owned market offers plenty of choices. The Honda Civic is one of the most popular conventional used cars with good gas mileage. Other popular choices include the Ford Focus (shown at left), Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla. All four of these vehicles have been on the market for years and the supply of these vehicles is plentiful.

Other popular used cars with good gas mileage include the Mini Cooper (shown at right), Toyota Yaris, and Honda Fit. The cumulative sales numbers are lower on these vehicles however, and they may be harder to find in the used car market.

As always, the laws of supply and demand apply.

We’ve seen the cycle repeat itself; when the price of fuel goes up, good gas mileage cars are in high demand and prices go up. When the price of fuel drops, so does the demand for, and the price of, fuel-efficient vehicles.

As a country, we need to realize that the current lull in gas prices cannot last. As individuals, we must take note of the sales price reductions in these vehicles and take advantage of the situation, when and if possible.

Carpe diem.

There are other benefits as well.

While at the 2009 New York Auto Show, I had the good fortune to meet Stephanie Reaves, a professional race driver representing EcoDrivingUSA. Stephanie demonstrated some of the principles of EcoDriving while piloting a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI through afternoon traffic.

As she made her way up Manhattan’s West Side Highway, Stephanie shared an experience from last year’s LA Auto Show that illustrated a key benefit of EcoDriving.

Sometimes we lose sight of what’s most important in our hectic day-to-day lives. Giving up a minute or two of time isn’t a loss … it’s a blessing … if you look at your daily commute as the chance to reduce, rather than raise your blood pressure.

Saving gas is just the starting point. Driving conscientiously resets the clock. By driving in a cool and composed manner, you lose a tiny sliver of time, but you gain immense benefits.

Many thanks to:

Stephanie Reaves,
EcoDrivingUSA.com,
The Pro Formance Group
PFGEvents.com – Eco Driving Training

No fooling.

The 27.3 mile per gallon (MPG) figure represents an average of 2001 new car, light truck, and SUV mileage. New cars must average 30.2 MPG. New light trucks and SUVs must average 24.1 MPG.

I’ve been driving a 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid this week that has a combined estimate of 20 MPG. While I’ve been able to beat the official numbers by a bit, it’s a forgone conclusion that that traditional SUVs will be getting smaller and hybrid battery packs will be getting larger. On the flip side, I’m in the midst of producing a video review of the Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel SUV, in which I easily exceeded the 2011 requirements.

Source: Ken Thomas/Associated Press

We’ve been able to exceed the cruise control numbers, vehicle after vehicle, simply by using a light foot. Significant gains in mileage are possible when you take advantage of inertia, and these gains are maximized with advanced automatic transmissions. To be clear, we always keep it in gear. Our mileage review procedure never includes coasting in neutral. Nor do we rely on other dangerous techniques such as drafting.

We rely on the on-board fuel consumption displays for highway figures, averaging out the runs. While this data can fluctuate, we always confirm the combined mileage via tank fills. Our mileage reviews are typically limited to a one-week period and we strive to put at least 400 miles on each vehicle over the course of the week. Ideally, we would like to test for thousands of miles with each vehicle, but this is not currently practical from either an economic or logistical standpoint.

As of this writing, we have yet to see a vehicle that has failed to hit its numbers. It’s essential to keep in mind that the stated official estimates are just that … the fine print always shows a range and our goal in real world road testing is to come as close to the high end of the range as possible. Our experience has provided a rather interesting perspective on the performance and capabilities of the various manufacturers, as they relate to the official estimates. A white paper is in the works.

As we consider future direction, one possible scenario includes a fully transparent mileage review procedure that presents a comprehensive data set for each vehicle for public consumption. While this avenue would require a significant infusion of capital, it will provide a remarkable alternative.

In the UK, the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with a highly fuel-efficient intercooled and direct-injected 2.0 liter 16-valve DOHC turbo-diesel engine that produces 33.6 urban / 51.4 extra urban / 42.8 combined miles per British gallon. That equates to roughly 28 city / 42.8 highway / 35.6 combined in US MPG. It’s not just about the mileage, of course … the little diesel four banger pumps out 123 HP and 310 foot pounds of torque.

Mitsubishi Outlander Gas Mileage: 2002 – 2009

Our legislators recently set the goal of a national fleet average of 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020. This was not a lofty or ambitious goal. In fact, it’s achievable today … should we choose to express a preference to buy a small vehicle. The automakers are in a pickle: they need to sell what the public will buy. Our perceptions need to change. Folks have to look at small vehicles as a desirable purchase, rather then a compromise.

We’ve test driven some fantastic small vehicles over the past year. While our absolute favorites – the MINI Cooper D and BMW 123d – are diesel-powered European models that have not yet been imported to America, the trend is clear. All of the German automakers are now marketing highly fuel-efficient clean diesels in the United States, and we’ll be reviewing each and every one, as schedules permit.

Small Vehicle Reviews

	Chevy Aveo5 GM’s entry-level small car offers fuel efficiency and a low sticker price.
	Ford Focus An efficient four-cylinder engine and Microsoft Sync audio system make the Focus a popular choice.
	Honda Civic Hybrid Honda’s low-key, high-MPG hybrid delivers excellent fuel economy in a well-rounded package.
	Mazda3 The fun-to-drive Mazda3 easily exceeds the official estimates when driven sensibly.
	MINI Cooper Clubman The ever-so-slightly larger Mini Cooper Clubman handles like a dream and gets great mileage.
	Nissan Altima Hybrid While it’s not exactly a small vehicle, the Nissan Altima Hybrid is the sportiest of the hybrids.
	Nissan Versa The Nissan Versa isn’t just a highly affordable fuel-efficient vehicle, it has a quite a roomy interior, to boot.
	Pontiac G5 XFE Think American cars can’t deliver the MPGs? Think again. The Pontiac G5 XFE’s highway MPGs top the charts.
	Saturn Astra The Saturn Astra could sell like hotcakes here in America, as it does in Europe … if GM made one simple change.
	Scion xD The Scion xD scoots about with style. Consider it a canvas just waiting for customization.
	Suzuki SX4 Crossover The AWD Suzuki SX4 Crossover isn’t just the least expensive AWD in America, it’s packed with features.
	Toyota Corolla Toyota Corolla is the perennial choice for mileage conscious commuters.
	Toyota Prius The space-age Toyota Prius hybrid achieves remarkable gas mileage when driven sensibly.
	Toyota Yaris Real world MPG results on the Yaris are so good, there must be a conspiracy to cover them up.
	Volkswagen EOS The convertible VW EOS is like nothing else on the road.
	Volvo C30 A rare sight on the streets, the Volvo C30 is one of our favorite small vehicles.

But when you consider the changes in today’s cars, compared to those of the late seventies and early eighties, it all begins to make sense. The modern Civic is much more complex, much larger, and much heavier than its counterpart three decades ago.

Today’s Honda Fit is more akin to yesteryear’s Civic, yet it’s so much more.

I’m in the midst of testing a Fit this week and I can’t help but think how much it reminds me of my trusty old 1983 Honda Civic S. (I didn’t leave the “i” off … the S model predated the Si.) But the Civic’s interior was much tighter inside than the Fit. That’s not to say that it couldn’t haul stuff. I used the little hatchback as a moving van more than once, back in the day. But when I flipped the Fit’s Magic Seat around the first time, I was flabbergasted. There’s a remarkable amount of cargo space inside the little critter.

And the highway mileage?

It’s good. Really good. This is one of the cars that responds so well to light-footed driving that you have to question the official numbers …