mpg-o-editor

2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2013 Mazda CX-5 Review Summary:
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV is the most fuel efficient crossover sold in America, with a rating of 35 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway in the front-wheel-drive base model. But it’s about so much more than just the MPGs. Unlike many of its competitors, the CX-5 can be equipped with a manual transmission. The shifter is top notch, adding a dimension to the CX-5 that’s simply uncommon. Leave it to Mazda to create a small roomy crossover that’s actually fun to toss about. While it’s no speed demon, this little critter has sufficient pep, handles well and absolutely begs to be driven.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 16-valve DOHC 2.0-liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine that produces 155 horsepower (HP) and 150 foot pounds of torque. The inline four can be mated to either a six-speed SKYACTIV overdrive manual or automatic Sport transmission. The automatic has a manual-shift mode. While the CX-5 is available in front-wheel- (FWD) or Active Torque Split all-wheel-drive (AWD), the manual transmission is only available in the FWD version.

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MPG Fraud : Another Day, Another Lawyer’s Payday?

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I was wading through my inbox this morning when an interesting advertisement screamed from the sidebar. The advertisement was from McCuneWright, LLP a Redlands, California-based law firm that’s looking to capitalize on the current MPG (mile per gallon) craze. Apparently, McCuneWright “has filed Federal class action lawsuits against General Motors, LLC, and Hyundai Motor America, for affirmatively misleading advertising of estimated miles per gallon fuel efficiency.” While I’ve grown blind to inbox ads, this couldn’t help but catch my eye … having devoted the last five years of my life to the study of real-world fuel efficiency.

It’s not exactly clear what McCuneWright is after, other than a significant chunk of fees. Yes, a number of manufacturers are stating the highway MPG figure in their advertising and marketing materials, rather than the combined figure. Are they putting undue emphasis on this? Or is the problem more at the local level, where car dealers control the advertising? Can the manufacturers be blamed for lousy radio commercials, banners in dealership windows, billboards, and local newspapers ads – all placed and paid for by the dealerships?

What about the guy that scrawls stuff on the windshields of the cars on the dealership lot? Will his shoe polish hand lettering be drawn into a class-action suit?

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2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review Summary: The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport aims to carve out a niche in the crowded small SUV and Crossover market, with good fuel economy, Evo-inspired styling, light weight, solid handling, and the best set of paddle shifters in the business. It falls short when it comes to sport, due to modest horsepower levels and CVT transmission. With a few tweaks, the Outlander Sport could achieve its full potential.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is powered by a 16-valve DOHC MIVTEC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower (HP) and 145 foot pounds of torque. The inline four can be mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission. While the Outlander Sport is available in either two-wheel- (2WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD), a manual is not offered with the AWD verison.

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2013 Chevy Spark First Test Drive

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A media drive event on the streets of New York City? We’re game! Earlier this year, I took part in the Ford Focus Electric first drive, traveling over a relatively short route in Midtown Manhattan. Yesterday’s 2013 Chevy Spark media drive took it to a whole new level, as we ventured out of Manhattan into Brooklyn in a fleet of tiny Sparks on a scavenger hunt for scents, sights, and sounds.

Some bloggers would rather tell you about the way that Chevy is marketing the Spark or go ga-ga about the cool places we visited. I’ll forgo the millennial-bashing and simply lay out the route.

2013 Chevy Sparks at Momofuku Milk Bar in Brooklyn

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2012 Honda CR-V EX-L Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD Review Summary:
The Honda CR-V is the new ubiqui-wagon. Chunkiness is out and smooth lines are in. An 18 percent improvement in coefficient of drag enables higher fuel-efficiency and a quieter ride, when compared to the previous model, with attention to detail underneath the CR-V delivering better aerodynamics. More miles per gallon (MPG), a sleeker face, Honda’s legendary reliability, and a well-designed interior ensure that the CR-V will continue to be one of the safest bets among small SUVs and Crossovers.

The 2012 Honda CR-V is powered by a 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower (HP) and 163 foot pounds of torque. The inline four is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control. The CR-V is available in either front-wheel- (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD).

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