mpg-o-editor, Author at mpgomatic.com

2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Review

February 26, 2012January 21, 2012 by mpg-o-editor

2012 Kia Rio 5-Door 3/4 Front Profile MPG-o-Matic 2012 Kia Rio Five Door Review Summary: If there’s one word to describe the 2012 Kia Rio 5-door, it’s “value.” In the old days, folks referred to inexpensive fuel-efficient hatchbacks as “economy cars,” and they were spartan and rarely attractive affairs. The Rio turns that notion on its head with an abundance of style and features at a base price starting under $14,000.

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.

2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv Review

February 26, 2012January 10, 2012 by mpg-o-editor

MPG-o-Matic 2012 Mazda3 Review Summary: Mazda boldly touts the 2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv as “the first 40 MPG car worth driving.” While that might seem like a lot of hype, it’s not too far off the mark. The Skyactiv3 delivers a class-topping combination of MPGs and driving dynamics.

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.

Honda Civic Gas Mileage – High MPG Standouts

December 30, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

The Honda Civic’s fuel-stingy heritage is more than legend. While it might seem hard for some to believe nowadays, eighties and nineties Honda Civic gas mileage ratings were extraordinary, with highway numbers that ranged into the forties and fifties. History cannot be rewritten when documentation exists to prove the facts.

The 1985 Honda Civic si was a good bit more thirsty than the CRX HF

Ford Fusion Gas Mileage: 2006 – 2013

January 28, 2013December 29, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

The Ford Fusion was introduced in the 2006 model year, filling a gap in the Ford lineup that was once occupied by the relatively short-lived Tempo and Contour. Slotted between the Focus and Taurus, the Fusion – in Hybrid trim – is the most fuel-efficient sedan among Ford’s current offerings, with gas mileage ratings of 41 city / 36 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

The Ford Fusion Hybrid's gas mileage ratings are 41 city / 36 highway MPG.

What’s up with the 40 MPG Ford Focus SFE (Super Fuel Economy) Package?

December 29, 2011December 28, 2011 by mpg-o-editor

2012 Ford Focus SFE emblem Ford relies on a bit of aerodynamic magic – and an option package – to allow the 2012 Focus to hit the magic 40 mile per gallon (MPG) highway mark. Unfortunately, the Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package is only available on Focus SE sedans equipped with the six-speed PowerShift dual dry-clutch automatic transmission. If you prefer the five-door hatchback or a manual transmission, you’ll have to settle for a slightly less fuel efficient vehicle.

2012 Ford Focus SE SFE Sedan with aerodynamic wheel covers.