mpg-o-editor

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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Asking for Direction(s)

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I’ve had a great ride with MPGomatic over the last five years or so. Every day, I ask myself … how many folks are truly able to follow their vision and live the dream? I know how fortunate I’ve been. This little fuel-efficiency focused website was started on a shoestring budget and it’s ridden the waves up and down. The primary purpose of this site is to reduce our nation’s reliance on imported petroleum (while helping to slash the amount of cash you splash on gasoline each week) – not make the maximum amount of money we could make, at all cost. While we were never able to grow at the rate we needed to grow, we were able to cover expenses for a long time. We never needed or sought outside funding.

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Gas Mileage: First and Foremost

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MPGomatic produces car review videos with a focus on fuel-efficiency, in-cabin technology, and drivability along with reports on motorsports and alternative fuels. Our goal is to help eliminate our Nation’s reliance on imported petroleum, while spurring the production of domestic renewable fuels.

Car-after-car, we demonstrate that not only is it possible to meet the official EPA fuel economy estimates, but that these numbers can be exceeded – often by a significant margin – simply by driving conscientiously.

Hyundai Veloster Eco Driving Information Display

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2013 Scion FR-S MPG Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2013 Scion FR-S Review Summary: With a starting MSRP of $24,930, the 2013 Scion FR-S has received a warm welcome from a market hungry for affordable rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports coupes. The FR-S’ biggest surprise is its startling level of fuel efficiency, enabled by superior aerodynamics and – in the case of the automatic – optimized gearing. The FR-S and its cousin, the slightly more expensive (and more fully outfitted) Subaru BRZ, were co-developed by Toyota and Subaru. While much has been written about the RWD twins, often in glowing terms, we take a closer look at how the Boxer’s RPMs effect its MPGs.

The 2013 Scion FR-S is powered by a direct and sequential multi-port fuel injected DOHC 2.0-liter Boxer (horizontally opposed) four-cylinder engine – co-developed by Toyota and Subaru – that produces 200 horsepower (HP) and 151 foot pounds of torque. The RWD FR-S is available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

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2013 Window Stickers Deliver Less MPG Information

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We’ve taken a big step backwards. The new 2013 window stickers deliver less information on fuel economy than their predecessors. I’d reckon that the EPA had good intent when they redesigned the stickers (aka: Monroneys), but the end result is that new vehicle shoppers will be short changed. The new design does deliver more graphical information, but it has lost two key pieces of crucial information.

The new slider graphics for Fuel Economy / Greenhouse Gas Rating and Smog Rating are welcome additions for buyers interested in the environmental impacts of the vehicle. At a glance, these sliders show how the vehicle stacks up against all other vehicles. The ratings for the manual transmission-equipped front-wheel-drive 2013 Mazda CX-5 (as shown below), clearly indicate how the little Crossover fares when compared to every vehicle on the market – not just those in its class. (Never mind that the top end of the scale represents vehicles that will not fit the needs of a Crossover buyer.)

2013 Mazda CX-5 window sticker MPG info

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