Entries Tagged 'gas mileage' ↓

There’s no question that conscientious fuel-efficient driving leads to both environmental and economic sustainability. When you use less fuel your vehicle pollutes less, while you keep more of your hard earned money in your wallet.

There are other benefits as well.

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The Obama Administration has pulled a number out of its hat, and it’s 27.3 MPG. While it might seem a bit crazy to set a new combined fuel economy standard for the 2011 model year with such short notice, our new President was left with the task by an outgoing administration that failed to implement what was required under law. The 2007 Energy Law stipulates that a new standard must be set by April 1st.

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

Make no mistake about it. We do car reviews differently at MPGomatic.com. Our fuel economy focused mileage reviews deliver a unique perspective by consistently testing each vehicle with a light-footed driving style. Over time, our mileage review testing procedure has evolved to include a specific highway circuit. We don’t test in a lab or on a closed course. Our highway miles are rolled up in the real world, on a forty mile loop of Interstate highway that includes a good number of grade changes and variable traffic conditions. Each vehicle runs a minimum of two loops on the highway circuit.
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The Mitsubishi Outlander delivers mid-range gas mileage ratings in a compact SUV package, and is available in both five- and seven-seat versions. Two engines are offered in the 2009 Outlander: a 2.4-liter inline four and a 3.0-liter V6. The four-cylinder Outlander’s gas mileage ratings are a bit higher than the more powerful V6, with highway figures in the mid-twenty mile per gallon (MPG) range.

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.
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We spend a good bit of time testing small vehicles here at MPGomatic, for one basic reason. Small vehicles represent not just the present, but the future of transportation for most parts of the world. In Europe, where fuel prices are astronomical, small cars rule the roost. But in here in America, the popularity of small vehicles has had its fits and starts, as well as its Fits and Smarts (if you’ll pardon the pun). We’ve been able to live life large out on the road, due to the relatively inexpensive cost of gasoline. The SUV phenomena was a direct result of our nation’s lack of a coherent energy policy.

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.