Some folks get extremely upset when the Check Engine light comes on in their car. Sometimes it’s a big deal. Sometimes it’s not. What gets people riled up is that they think they have to go back to the dealer to get those codes read. And you know what? That’s not true anymore.

If your car is getting lousy gas mileage and there’s an engine light lit up on the dashboard, take note. Your car may be trying to tell you something. A quick scan can tell you exactly what’s wrong.

Reading error codes is no big deal these days, thankfully. Every vehicle manufactured after 1998 has an On Board Diagnostic (OBD) port under the dash. Anyone can access their vehicle’s OBDII port with the right gear. There’s no need to rely on the dealer or repair shop for a quick scan.

The first option is your local auto parts store. Many have started offering free OBD scans. If you have a good auto parts store and you trust them, have them run a scan. (It’s a smart move on their part. They want to sell you the parts to fix whatever engine codes might appear.)

You can also read OBD codes with an app and an iPhone or an Android device. (I have an older iPhone.) You also need a way to get the information from the OBD port under the dash into your device. I use a GoPoint GL-1 cable.

You don’t have to hard wire. There are WiFi dongles and Bluetooth dongles. There’s a bunch of stuff out there … if you look around you can find some things that are aren’t too pricey. (Be careful when you look on eBay, as many of these device auctions are based in Asia.)

I like Carbonga as an app, because it doesn’t just show you the codes, it shows you what the codes mean.

A lot of devices will just tell you it’s a 1753241 and you have to go to the Internet and look it up and that can be kind of a pain in the neck.

Carbonga will show you the code number and tells you exactly what’s going on with your vehicle.

The video shows how I hooked up the Battlewagon to find out exactly what was going on.

You’ll see the dash lit up like a Christmas tree.

There are One Hundred and Seventy Something miles on the big green beast …

Suffice to say, it wasn’t pretty.

The Rio is equipped with a direct-injected DOHC CVVT 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower (HP) and 123 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is only available in the base LX model. A six-speed automatic with overdrive is optional in the LX and standard in both the EX and SX. The automatic transmission features a manual shift mode.

The official fuel economy estimates for all versions of the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door are 30 city / 40 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We put over 600 miles in our automatic-equipped Bright Silver SX review unit and easily achieved the official mileage estimates, with an average of 41.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 33.8 MPG combined with temperatures ranging from the thirties through the low-fifties.

While the Active ECO system is intended to reduce fuel consumption, we saw negligible difference in our highway testing.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, ECO off, windows up: 41.8 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, ECO off, windows up: 41.7 MPG
• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, ECO on, windows up: 42.0 MPG

Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the high-forties through low-fifties. Our 5-door SX test vehicle was equipped with the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, clad with Hankook Optimo H426 205/45-17 grand touring all-season tires, and was delivered with roughly 1300 miles on the odometer. 185/65R15 tires are standard on the LX and EX models.

Highway driving range is good. All 2012 Kia Rio five-doors are fitted with an 11.4 gallon fuel tank and are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.

The Rio 5-door is fitted with four-wheel-disc brakes with Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The Rio SX uses 11-inch vented front and 10.3-inch solid rear discs, while the LX and EX use 10.1-inch vented front and 10.3-inch solid rears. The manual transmission-equipped Rio LX tips the scales at 2,410 pounds (curb weight), while the automatic versions weigh in at 2,483 pounds.

The Rio 5-door’s monochrome Trip Computer is nestled within the speedometer and features two trip meters, elapsed time, range to empty, average speed, and average MPG displays, along with a thermometer-style Instant Fuel Economy gauge.

In addition to the larger 17-inch alloy wheels, the SX version features a sport-tuned suspension with altered spring rates, dampers, and sway bar. Overall, we found the ride and handling to be quite agreeable.

All Rio five-doors feature power heated side mirrors. The SX model includes integrated turn-signal indicators and a power folding feature that comes in handy in tight parking spaces. The SX also features standard projection headlights, front fog lights, LED accent lights, and LED tail lights.

The handsome leather-wrapped steering wheel is fitted with a full range of controls.

Our tester was fitted with the standard knit cloth seat trim. Leather seat trim is optional. The driver’s seat has six-way manual adjustment. While heated front seats are optional in the Rio, adjustable lumbar support is not offered.

The audio system in the LX and SX uses four speakers along with two A-pillar mounted tweeters. A pint-sized Microsoft UVO Infotainment System and backup camera display is standard in the SX and optional in the EX. Hands-free Bluetooth is standard, with the exception of the base model.

There are two twelve-volt outlets at the base of the dash, bookending the auxiliary audio and USB input jacks.

Long legged folks take note. While the rear seat provides 37.6 inches of headroom it allows for just 31.1 inches of legroom

The Rio hatchback’s cargo area includes a standard cargo cover and provides for 15.0 cubic feet of storage with the seat up. The 60/40 split rear seat can be easily folded down from either the hatch area or cabin.

All-in-all, the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door represents a remarkable value with plenty of style and features at a surprisingly low price. Our only real gripe (other than a lack of adjustable lumbar support) was with the underpowered audio system, but that might be easily remedied with aftermarket tweaks. If you’re looking for bang-for-the-buck, the fuel-efficient Rio delivers. This ain’t your Granddad’s economy car.

Kia Rio SX 5DR
MSRP: $17,700
Options:
Floor Mats – $95
MSRP including options: $17,795

Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 4%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Korea – 90%
Final Assembly Point: Korea
Country of Origin:
Engine – Korea
Transmission – Korea

- by Daniel Gray

The new Skyactiv-G engine is offered in the Mazda3’s i Touring and i Grand Touring trim. The direct-injected DOHC VVT 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 155 horsepower (HP) and 148 foot pounds of torque. It’s a solid motor, but the whole Skyactiv story is about more than just the power plant. Mazda’s more conventional 2.0 and 2.5-liter engines continue to be offered in the i SV/i Sport sedan and s Touring/s Grand Touring trim (both sedan and five-door), respectively.

The official fuel economy estimates for the Mazda3 Skyactiv sedan are 27 city / 39 highway with the six-speed overdrive manual and 28 / 40 with the six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic. The five-door Mazda3 Skyactiv is slightly less fuel-efficient, with 27 / 38 MPG for the manual and 28 / 39 MPG for the automatic. Blame it on the aerodynamics. The i Touring and i Grand Touring sedans are the most aerodynamic of the 2012 Mazda3’s with a Coefficient of drag of just 0.27. The five-door hatchback slips in at a 0.29 Cd in i trim and 0.30 in s trim.

The Skyactiv-G engine delivers more horsepower, torque, and fuel-efficiency than the conventional 2.0-liter, using a number of technologies including:

• direct-injection
• high-compression ratio
• weight and friction reduction
• 4-2-1 exhaust system

We took to the road and covered more than 800 miles in our Skyactiv automatic-equipped Sky
Blue Grand Touring sedan review unit and had no problem surpassing the official mileage estimates, with an average of 45.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 35.8 MPG combined with temperatures ranging from the thirties through the fifties.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 44.3 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 45.9 MPG

Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the fifties. Our Grand Touring test vehicle was equipped with the standard 16-inch alloy wheels, clad with Bridgestone Turanza EL400 P205/55R16 all-season tires, and was delivered with approximately 1100 miles on the odometer.

Highway driving range is excellent. The Mazda3 Skyactiv is fitted with a 14.5 gallon fuel tank and is designed to run on regular unleaded.

The 2012 Mazda3 i Touring and Grand Touring is fitted with four-wheel-disc brakes (10.9-inch vented front/10.4-inch solid rear) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. The manual transmission-equipped Skyactiv3 weighs in at 2,872 pounds (curb weight), while the automatic weighs in at 2,950 pounds.

The Mazda3 Grand Touring’s Color Multi-Information Display includes trip meters, range to empty, and average fuel consumption displays, along with real-time fuel economy. It’s good to see that Mazda did not overlook the crucial real-time MPG display, as have some of the competition.

This is the drivers car among the growing 40 MPG crowd.

The innovative six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission uses both a torque converter and an automated clutch to deliver smooth and fast gear changes as well as improved fuel economy and includes a Sport mode with manual-shift.

The cabin is all business. The Grand Touring edition includes leather-trimmed seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and five-level seat heating, and moon roof. The leather-wrapped steering wheel’s controls are comprehensive. Adjustable lumbar support is not available.

Hands-free Bluetooth is standard, along with a ten-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio system, and an audio input jack. The USB iPod Integration Module is a dealer installed option. There are two twelve-volt outlets: one inside the center console and one at the base of the dash.

Our tester was equipped with the Technology option package, which includes:

• Blindspot mirrors
• Sirus Satellite radio
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Pivoting adaptive front lighting system with bi-xenon HID headlights
• Perimeter alarm

While the Mazda3 i Grand Touring sedan benefits from a remarkably low 0.27 coefficient of drag (Cd), the rear seat is pleasant for two (although rated for three). There are 37.4 inches of headroom (with the moon roof) and 36.2 inches of legroom.

The sedan’s trunk allows for 11.8 cubic feet of storage with the seat up. Folding the 60/40 seats down from inside the cabin provides ample room for larger items. Any more than that and you might want to opt for the hatchback.

All-in-all, the 2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv delivers a class-leading combination of driving dynamics, aerodynamics and fuel-efficiency. Our only wishes are for adjustable lumbar support, a larger navigation screen and standard USB. While the competition is fierce in this segment, the Skyactiv stands out as the driver’s car among the 40 MPG crowd.

Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 0%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Japan – 95%
Final Assembly Point: Houfu, Japan
Country of Origin:
Engine – Japan
Transmission – Japan

- by Daniel Gray

There are a number of things to consider when looking at the high MPG numbers of the eighties and early-to-mid nineties, with the first being the national speed limit that was in effect at the time. The national 55 mile per hour (MPH) speed limit became effective in early 1974 as a result of the 1973 oil crisis. The national limit was raised to 65 MPH in the late eighties and remained in effect until 1995, when the federal limits were repealed.

Surely we’ve all heard the oft-repeated chestnut that lower highway cruising speeds allow for higher fuel efficiency. What isn’t said is that the actual percentage will vary from vehicle-to-vehicle, due to variables that include aerodynamic efficiency, gearing, and torque … in addition to environmental and geographic conditions.

With that in mind, lets take a look at some of the historical high-MPG standouts in the Civic line, based on the original (rather than the revisionist) estimates …

The two-seat CRX debuted in the 1984 model year, equipped with a 60 horsepower 1342cc engine and a curb weight of just 1713 pounds. The initial EPA fuel economy estimates were nothing short of astounding at 51 city / 67 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

Gas mileage ratings dropped to a more believable 49 city / 54 highway when the CRX HF appeared in 1985 The 1986 and 1987 Civic CRX HF ratings nudged back up to 57 highway. 1988 saw the second-generation CRX with an arguably more attractive design. The high fuel-efficiency HF version of the two-seater continued to be offered through the CRX’s final model year in 1991, with the highway mileage rating slipping back to 52 MPG. Throughout its run, the CRX HF was only available with a five-speed manual transmission.

Honda introduced the Civic VX hatchback in the 1992 model year, replacing the departed CRX at the top of the company’s MPG charts. Like the CRX HF, the Civic VX was sold exclusively with a five-speed manual; both were fitted with a 1.5-liter inline four. The 1992 Civic VX was rated at 48 city / 55 highway.

The hatchback VX was replaced with the Civic HX Coupe in the 1996 model year. While the HX Coupe claimed the highest fuel economy in Honda’s line up in 1996, the MPG ratings dropped to 39 city / 45 highway for the five-speed manual. A continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) was offered for the first time in the 1996 Civic HX, with mileage ratings of 35 city / 39 highway. Displacement grew to 1.6 liters in the 1996 model year. The Civic HX hung around through the 2005 model year, with displacement bumping up to 1.7-liters in 2001.

Honda was at the top of its game when the Insight Hybrid appeared in the company’s 2000 lineup. While some folks thought the two-seater invoked an entirely new Jetsonian vision of the future, long-time Honda watchers saw it as a tweaked-out CRX with rear fender skirts. The tiny 1.0-liter three-cylinder hybrid system was exclusively mated to a five-speed manual transmission and rated at a positively remarkable 61 city / 70 highway MPG in its introductory year. A CVT version was introduced in 2002, with both manual and CVT versions offered through the original Insight’s run that ended in 2006.

The Honda Civic Hybrid arrived in 2003, sporting a 1.3-liter inline four, mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT. The 2003 Civic Hybrid was rated at 46 city / 51 highway with the manual transmission and 48 city / 47 highway with the CVT.

If you’re in the market for a cheap high-MPG car, older Honda Civics always rise to the top of the list. The Civic’s legendary reliability has ensured a plentiful supply of vehicles. While the lightest of the bunch (CRX HFs and Hatchback VXs) have been snapped up by tuners and wannabes, it isn’t a stretch to find a clean HX Coupe at a reasonable price.

Worth Noting: The vast majority of gasoline sold in America today contains approximately 10% ethanol and is referred to as E10. Ethanol contains 30% less energy than gasoline per gallon, which results in lower MPG results. The degree to which E10 reduces fuel-efficiency over “pure” gasoline is often contested. With a ten percent blend, one might expect a three percent drop. But these numbers may change, based upon the characteristics of each vehicle.

- by Daniel Gray

The Fusion is available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). The FWD Fusion Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. Non-hybrid FWD Fusions can be fitted with a 3.5-liter V6, a 3.0-liter FlexFuel (FFV) V6, and a 2.5-liter inline four. AWD Fusions are equipped with either the 3.5-liter or 3.0-liter FlexFuel V6s. FFV models may be more prevalent in the federal government fleet.

We put the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid to exhaustive road tests in 2011 and 2010. Both vehicles had no problem beating the official gas mileage estimates.

The Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ are due for an update in the 2013 model year.

Ford Fusion Gas Mileage: 2006 – 2011

The PowerShift automatic Focus SE is EPA rated at 27 city / 37 highway. The SFE package raises the numbers to 28 city / 40 highway. That the percentage of highway change (8.1%) is greater than the city change (3.7%) is to be expected. Highway gains can be most easily found by cheating the wind and reducing rolling resistance.

The SFE Package consists of

• 16-inch steel wheels with aerodynamic wheel covers
• active grille shutters
• low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tires
• four-wheel disc brakes, and a
• rear spoiler

The Focus SE sedan is fitted with 215/55R16 Continental ContiProContact grand touring all-season tires. We have yet to see a SFE-equipped sedan first-hand to ascertain which low-rolling-resistance tires Ford has selected for the package.

TireRack lists a total of ten different 215/55-16 LRR tires that should fit the Focus SE sedan’s standard rims. The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422, Michelin Primacy MXM4, Pirelli P6 Four Seasons Plus, Continental ContiProContact, and Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max are all season tires. The Goodyear Eagle NCT5 is a grand touring summer tire. The Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 is a performance winter/snow tire. The Michelin X-Ice Xi2 is an aggressive studless ice and snow tire. There are two versions of the Pirelli P6 Four Seasons Plus and Continental ContiProContact.

The Focus SFE’s active grille shutters use electronically controlled motorized horizontal vanes that rotate within a 90 degree range to one of fifteen different positions to accommodate cooling and aerodynamics. The vanes are closed during cold starts to allow the engine to come up to temperature and stay closed until needed.

Ford claims that “when fully closed, the reduction in drag means the active grille shutters can reduce CO2 emissions by 2 percent.”

While the Chevrolet Cruze ECO bests the Focus SFE for MPGs on the open road – with a rating of 28 city / 42 highway – it only achieves those numbers when equipped with a manual transmission. The 2012 automatic-equipped Cruze ECO is rated at 26 city / 39 highway (up from 26 city / 37 highway in 2011). The Cruze ECO is fitted with larger 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, rather than 16-inch steel wheels and wheel covers, and a lower front grille shutter as opposed to the full active grille in the 2012 Focus.

Configuring the 2012 Focus with the ($495) SFE option package may limit your option choices beyond the just the automatic Sedan. We were not able to select leather seating surfaces. Choosing the Tuscan Red Interior Style Package drops the SFE package for the SE Sport package.

- by Daniel Gray

The 2012 Ford Focus is equipped with a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower (HP) and 146 foot pounds of torque. The GDI DOHC ti-VCT (twin-independent variable camshaft timing) inline four can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2012 Ford Focus are 27 city / 37 highway MPG with the automatic or 26 / 36 with the manual transmission. The Super Fuel Economy (SFE) Package raises the figures to 28 / 40.

We traveled nearly 500 miles in our automatic-equipped Titanium Red Candy Metallic review unit and inched past the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 39.2 MPG on the Interstate highway and 31.3 MPG combined in temperatures ranging from the forties through the seventies.

Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the seventies. Our Titanium tester was equipped with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Continental ContiProContact 215/50R17 tires, and was delivered with just over 3600 miles on the odometer.

18-inch alloys and 235/40R18 tires are optional on the Titanium. The base S model is equipped with 15-inch steel wheels and 195/65R15 tires, while the SE wears 16-inch wheels and 215/55R16 tires. The SE Sport and SEL are equipped with 16-inch alloy rims clad with 215/55R16 tires.

While Ford markets the Focus as a 40 MPG (highway) car, only the automatic SE sedan is rated at 40 MPG by the EPA … and only when equipped with the SFE package, which includes 16-inch steel wheels with aerodynamic wheel covers, active grille shutters, a rear spoiler, low-rolling resistance tires, and four wheel disc brakes. If you want a hatchback or manual transmission, you’re out of luck.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 39.2 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 40.3 MPG

While it’s no powerhouse the direct-injected 2.0-liter and fast shifting dual-clutch transmission delivered significantly faster zero to sixty times than the last Focus we tested (a 2008 automatic.)

The 2012 Focus hatchback has a curb weight of 2,920 lbs. for the manual and 2,984 lbs. for the automatic. The four-door sedan weighs in at 2,907 and 2,935, respectively.

The Focus is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. The 12.4 gallon fuel tank delivers a good amount of highway driving range.

Titanium, SEL and SE Sport Package models are equipped with a four-wheel ABS+ESC disc brake system with 278-mm (vented) front and 271-mm rear discs. Base S and non-sport SE models use 228-mm drums at the rear.

We were disappointed to find that the Focus lacks a real-time fuel-economy display to go along with its trip meters, driving range, average vehicle speed, elapsed time, and average fuel economy displays. We hope that Ford remedies this situation in the next model year, as the effective use of a Real-Time MPG display can save a significant amount of fuel.

The Focus is smooth and solid out the road, with class-leading ride and handling enabled by Ford’s electronic power steering and torque vectoring technology. The six-speed PowerShift transmission offers Sport and push-button SelectShift manual modes. Purists that pine for a manual transmission have to make do with a five-, rather than six-speed and only in SE trim. Sadly, a decked out manual 2012 Focus isn’t available. The upcoming performance-oriented Focus ST should right those wrongs.

The cabin is world class. Our Titanium tester was fitted with Charcoal Black leather seating surfaces and a six-way power drivers seat with manual lumbar control. The Winter package adds five-level seat heating for the front buckets.

The leather-wrapped steering-wheel is loaded with a dizzying array of controls. SYNC is standard in the SEL and Titanium, and includes Bluetooth audio support. A bit of time with the Microsoft SYNC cheat sheet will pay dividends and avoid frustration.

The Titanium model is fitted with a ten-speaker Sony audio system (with subwoofer). Our test unit was equipped with the MyFordTouch/HD Sirius/Navigation and Parking Technology Packages.

The Focus provides two twelve-volt outlets: one centrally located on the console and one at the back of the console. There are two USB inputs, auxiliary A/V input jacks, and a card slot inside the center console.

The second row seats provide 37.9 inches of headroom and 33.2 inches of leg room.

The five-door hatchback’s cargo area provides 23.8 cubic feet of storage behind the second row. Folding down the 60/40 rear seats allows for 44.8 cubic feet of storage.

All-in-all, the 2012 Ford Focus provides superior ride and handling, a brilliant interior and a slew of technology that befit a more expensive European car. While we really dig the five-door hatch, to hit the magic EPA-spec 40 MPG highway, you’ll need to order the SE Sedan with the SFE Package.

Parts Content Information
Final Assembly Point: Michigan Assembly Plant, Wayne, Michigan
Country of Origin:
Engine – Dearborn, Michigan
Transmission – Irapuato, Mexico

- by Daniel Gray

The 2012 BMW 528i demonstrates that fuel efficiency and sporting performance needn’t be mutually exclusive. The 2012 528i includes a host of fuel-efficiency technology, including Auto Stop/Start, Brake Energy Regeneration, low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic air flap control, eight-speed automatic transmission, and an ECO PRO mode. When compared to the 2011 model, the 2012 delivers 2 MPG more on the highway with a 6.2 second 0-60 MPH time that’s 0.4 seconds faster than the 2011.

BMW splits with tradition in the 2012 model year, replacing the 528i’s naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a direct-injected twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers a very respectable 240 horsepower (HP) and 260 foot pounds of torque. Despite the 33% drop in displacement, the turbo four cranks out 30% more torque than the inline six, with gas mileage estimates of 23 city MPG / 34 highway and 27 combined.

Although diesel-powered BMWs are quite popular in Europe, we haven’t seen a diesel 5-Series here in the States since 1986. That may change once the company introduces their new tri-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine. A few years back, we had the opportunity to catch a ride in a Euro-spec BMW 535d M Sport and shot this video:

Eight-cylinder equipped 550i and 540i models are noticeably less fuel efficient than the sixes (see chart below). If you’re thinking about purchasing an older 5-Series, keep in mind that most require premium gasoline. This can have a significant impact on your expenses. You can project your yearly, monthly, or weekly fuel expenditure with the MPGomatic gas mileage calculator.

BMW 5-Series Gas Mileage: 1978 – 2011

One thing’s for sure. If you’re serious about improving the fuel economy of your Jeep and have serious money to spend the options are out there. The first article in this series mentioned the HPA Motorsports TDI diesel engine swap. We found another cool diesel swap option while scouring the aisles of SEMA’s off-road exhibit hall at the Bruiser Off-Road booth.

Jeep enthusiasts have clamored for a diesel-powered Wrangler for years. While Chrysler has built diesel Wranglers here in the United States, they’ve been export models and have never been sold the to the general public.

Although Bruiser Off-Road’s Cummins 4BT diesel conversion is not intended for on-road use, it offers huge potential for fuel-savings. The 4BT doesn’t just deliver legendary fuel-efficiency. It’s also ideally suited for use with alternative fuels like biodiesel and reclaimed vegetable oil. Farms and businesses that produce their own sustainable fuels can become self-reliant.

The Xtreme Power booth held another remarkable alternative … a plug-in hybrid conversion kit. While Xtreme Power’s Wrangler plug-in hybrid kit is only in the development stage, it holds remarkable promise.

Xtreme Power’s system is designed to be installed in two hours or under. The company claims a 60% improvement in city gas mileage, with an added 350 foot pounds of torque. As Xtreme Power’s Michael Van Steenburg mentions in the video, “the side-effect is performance.” The magic is in a fully-submersible switched reluctance motor. “There’s no cutting or modifying your vehicle of any type. It’s strictly a bolt-in application.”

The XDT8-350 kit has been initially designed for the Ford F-150 EcoBoost. The company claims a total of 770 foot pounds of of peak torque (at wide open throttle), with 36 miles per gallon (MPG) based on the first hundred miles, 15,000 pound towing, a 20-mile all electric range, and a 30-minute charge time with the 16 KW onboard charger. When the battery’s charge has been depleted to a 40 percent state of charge, the system switches into a charge-sustaining hybrid mode. The system uses Xtreme Power’s XP PowerCell lead-acid batteries, with an operating voltage of 48 VDC.

There is no reliance on imported rare earth magnets for the electric motor or lithium for the batteries. The batteries are manufactured in Oklahoma, while the motors and controllers are built in Texas. “We’re trying to keep jobs here in America,” Van Steenburg said.

“You have a safe battery technology, a robust safe motor drive technology, easy installation, and ruggedness that’s going to last you ten plus years, easily Hands down, it’s the solution that everyone’s been looking for.”

- by Daniel Gray

The 500 Sport manual proves that fuel-efficient cars can be exceptionally fun to drive. If you’re ready to learn how to drive a stick shift, the 500’s easy-to-drive gearbox is the ideal place to start. Ciao Bella!

The 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a 1.4-liter four cylinder engine that produces 101 horsepower (HP) and 98 foot pounds of torque. The 16-valve SOHC MultiAir inline four can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual just might be the best in the business at this price point. The 500 is available in three models: Pop, Sport, and Lounge. The automatic is standard on the top-end 500 Lounge and optional on the Pop and Sport.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2012 Fiat 500 are 30 city / 38 highway MPG with the five-speed manual and 27 city / 34 highway with the six-speed automatic transmission.

We covered more than 500 miles in our five-speed manual Giallo 500 Sport review unit and eased past the official mileage estimates on the open road, hitting an average of 42.4 MPG on the Interstate highway and 37.1 MPG combined in temperatures ranging from the fifties through the eighties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the mid-sixties. Our test unit was delivered with under 3500 miles on the odometer.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Sport is equipped with with 16-inch alloy wheels and either Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S or Continental ContiPro Contact P195/45R16 XL all-season tires. (Our test unit was clad with the Pirellis.) The 500 Pop and 500 Lounge roll about on 15-inch wheels (steel on the Pop, cast-aluminum on the Lounge), wrapped with either ContiProContacts, Cinturato P7 A/S, or Firestone Firehawk GTH tires.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 40.9 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 44 MPG

The five-speed manual is a joy to row as it allows for maximum enjoyment of the tiny MultiAir engine’s distinctive exhaust note. For those afraid of rolling backwards on an incline, Hill Start Assist is standard issue.

The 2012 Fiat 500 tips the scales at 2363 lbs. (curb weight) for the five-speed manual and 2434 lbs. for the six-speed automatic. While it may be significantly faster, the Mini Cooper is hundreds of pounds heavier and thousands of dollars more expensive.

The 10.5 gallon fuel tank allows for a good amount of highway driving range when you have the discipline to keep your foot out of it. While the 500’s MultiAir engine can run on regular unleaded (87 octane) gasoline, 91 octane is recommended. We performed our testing with premium fuel.

The four-wheel Antilock disc brake system uses 10.1-inch front and 9.4-inch rear discs.

The monochrome LCD Vehicle Information Center is nested within the unique speedometer/tachometer layout and provides data including: average speed, travel time, trip meters, driving range, average and real-time fuel economy (MPG) (current consumption). Using the Instant MPG gauge will help 500 drivers adopt a light-footed, fuel-efficient driving style.

The Sport model is equipped with tuned shocks and springs. Zipping through city streets and back roads is a hoot. Poking the Sport button tightens up the 500’s steering and changes the throttle calibration for quicker gear changes and higher RPM limits on automatic-equipped cars.

Our tester was equipped with the standard Sport model’s cloth bucket seats. Seat height is (manually) adjustable. Leather seating surfaces are available in the Lounge model.

Blue & Me Handsfree Bluetooth integration is standard. USB and audio input jacks are located within the glovebox. A single twelve-volt outlet is located at the base of the dash. A six-speaker Bose audio system with subwoofer is standard on the Sport and Lounge models, while a 4.3-inch TomTom Navigation system is optional.

Our test unit was equipped with two options: the Safety & Sound package (consisting of SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription and a security alarm) and a Power Sunroof.

So here’s the bad news … the 500’s second row seats are only suitable for smaller folks, with a meager 35.6 inches of headroom and 31.7 inches of leg room.

Popping open the 500’s hatch reveals another shortcoming. There’s just 9.5 cubic feet of storage with the split rear seat up. Folding the 50/50 seat down adds more room for cargo, but there’s no mistaking the 500 for a Honda Fit.

Wish List: The 500 lacks adjustable lumbar support. Heated front seats are available, although not in all configurations.

All-in-all, the 2012 Fiat 500 is more than just an affordable alternative to the Mini Cooper. Sure, it’s small. It’s quirky. It’s not for every one. But the fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient 500 is introducing a new generation of Americans to the joys of the manual transmission. And while the engine’s horsepower output may be modest, the manual Sport model scurries from corner to corner and happily darts through city traffic. This one needs to be driven to be understood …

Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 11%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Mexico – 59%
Final Assembly Point: Toluca, Mexico
Country of Origin:
Engine – USA
Transmission – Italy

- by Daniel Gray