MPG-o-Matic 2010 Audi A3 TDI Review Summary:
The clean diesel A3 TDI joins the conventional gasoline-powered A3 in Audi’s 2010 line up, providing a marvelous fuel-efficient alternative for folks that enjoy spirited driving. Although the 2010 A3 TDI is not available in Quattro (all-wheel-drive) trim, we found the front-wheel-drive (FWD) to be sure-footed through a variety of driving conditions.
mpg-o-editor
Inconvenient Truths About Electric Cars
Make no mistake about it. We love plug-in electric cars. The electrification of the personal transportation device has the potential to bring about great change, with the promise of more jobs and less pollution. Economic renewal in a cleaner world is a lofty and worthwhile goal for all, regardless of political affiliation.
2010 is shaping up to be the year remembered as the launching point for high-volume production of highway-capable electric vehicles (EVs). We can expect to see the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and Coda sedan enter production, among other vehicles. Other plug-in electric cars from major manufacturers will soon follow.
Governments around the world have committed massive amounts of funding to the electrification of the automobile. This influx of capital is allowing the business world to ramp up at a torrid pace. That said, this is a long road, with a tough grade to climb.
This post, which will be updated as conditions and information warrant, shares notes gleaned on the realities of EVs from a number of industry conferences. While we encourage the adoption of EVs, we are realists, not cheerleaders.
2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
The 2010 Detroit Auto Show saw more hybrids and a marked increase in hoopla for the electrification of the automobile. A dedicated “Electric Avenue” on the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) floor joined an electric test track in the cellar of Cobo Hall, which continued a tradition started in 2009. (Truth be told, I so busy on the show floor, that I never found my way to the basement.)
2010 Cadillac SRX Review
MPG-o-Matic Cadillac SRX Review Summary:
It’s not surprising that the 2010 Cadillac SRX is decidedly European, as Cadillac’s compact crossover rides on the same platform as the Opel Antara. The SRX currently offers a choice between two V6 engines (turbocharged or naturally aspirated) with front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). While its gas mileage results are middle-of-the-road, the crisply-designed SRX delivers all the style, comfort, and tech goodies you’d expect in a modern high-end Cadillac.
2010 Hybrid Gas Mileage
We’ve made it a point here at MPGomatic to put the gamut of hybrid cars and SUVs through exhaustive road tests. Our continuing goal is to examine the ability of hybrids to meet or exceed the official fuel economy estimates when using appropriate driving techniques.