Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Average new car mpg levels hit record high in August, spurred by Cash for Clunkers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/average-new-car-fuel-mileage-hits-record-high-in-august-spurred/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/average-new-car-fuel-mileage-hits-record-high-in-august-spurred/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/average-new-car-fuel-mileage-hits-record-high-in-august-spurred/#commentsFiled under:



The success or failure of the Cash for Clunkers program that recently came to an end here in the United States has been and will continue to be debatable, but at least some good was accomplished by the legislation. According to data compiled by Wards Auto, the average new car fuel mileage hit a new record of 23 miles per gallon in August, which is a gain of approximately eight percent from August of 2008.

As far as individual automakers go, Toyota came out on top with an average of 26.9 mpg for all cars sold in August, followed by Kia at 25.1 and Hyundai at 24.9 mpg. American nameplates made the biggest mileage jump, rising about four percent from August of 2008 to 20.4 mpg - a new record.

Nobody knows exactly what will happen when the sales figures from September are calculated, but many experts are predicting that fuel efficiency will take a nosedive now that C4C will no longer be offering up to $4,500 to trade up to a new, more efficient car or truck. Overall though, fuel efficiency is likely to steadily increase over the next few years in correlation with the latest CAFE requirements.

[Source: Wards Auto via Green Car Reports | Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty]

Average new car mpg levels hit record high in August, spurred by Cash for Clunkers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>average fuel economyaverage fuel mileageAverageFuelEconomyAverageFuelMileagec4ccash for clunkersCashForClunkersfuel economyfuel efficiencyfuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencyFuelMileagegreenWed, 30 Sep 2009 08:19:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/#comments
2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Common sense, right? Absolutely, but it's still helpful to see real-life data, as you'll see by checking out the results of a recent test performed by Consumer Reports. Not all cars perform the same at various speed limits, and as you might expect, America's most fuel efficient models are also the vehicles most affected by higher speeds.

A total of seven vehicles were tested by CR: a Acura TSX with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a new 2010 Honda Insight; a Lexus RX350; a Mercury Mountaineer with 4.6-liter V8; Toyota Camry and RAV4 with 2.5-liter four-bangers; and a Yaris with a 1.5-liter four.

As you're probably aware, today's hybrids are optimized for high fuel economy at city speeds and therefore lose much of their miserly ways on the highway. As it turns out, this was especially true of the new Insight hybrid, which lost over 15 miles per gallon moving the needle from 55 mph to 75 mph - the largest drop in the contest. Click here for the complete test results.


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 honda insight2010HondaInsightacura tsxAcuraTsxfuel economyfuel mileagefuel mileage testFuelEconomyFuelMileageFuelMileageTesthonda insighthonda insight 2010honda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsight2010HondaInsightHybridlexus rx350LexusRx350mercury mountaineerMercuryMountaineertoyota camrytoyota rav4toyota yarisToyotaCamryToyotaRav4ToyotaYarisThu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[C/D drills down to find out what goes into EPA fuel economy ratings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/c-d-drills-down-to-find-out-what-goes-into-epa-fuel-economy-rati/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/c-d-drills-down-to-find-out-what-goes-into-epa-fuel-economy-rati/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/c-d-drills-down-to-find-out-what-goes-into-epa-fuel-economy-rati/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever wonder what actually goes into determining the rated fuel economy of a new car or truck? Anyone with a vehicle that's failed to live up to its EPA estimated figures would surely fit into that camp - especially if the car or truck were purchased in large part to its high mileage rating - and you can add our names to that list as well. As it turns out, the process is every bit as as complicated as we'd expect.

Car and Driver recently hung out at the EPA's testing facility near the Motor City, and some highly intriguing bits of information were gleaned. For instance, C/D says that just 15 percent of new cars get tested by the EPA each year for fuel efficiency, and the rest get their ratings from testing performed by the manufacturer using the government agency's guidelines. It's reportedly rare that the EPA's figures vary greatly from the numbers provided by the manufacturer, but if they do, discussions and negotiations ensue.

There are a total of five tests performed to measure expected fuel efficiency, some dating all the way back to the late Seventies. More recent protocols are a bit more complex and require specialized facilities that can cost up to $10 million dollars by EPA estimates. There's plenty more to the story, so click here to read the full four-page report. Hat tip to Julio!


Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius


[Source: Car and Driver]

C/D drills down to find out what goes into EPA fuel economy ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepaepa fuel economyepa fuel mileageEpaFuelEconomyEpaFuelMileagefuel economyfuel economy standardsfuel mileagefuel mileage testFuelEconomyFuelEconomyStandardsFuelMileageFuelMileageTestgreenMon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry sets fuel efficiency record in first half of '08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/industry-sets-fuel-efficiency-record-in-first-half-of-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/industry-sets-fuel-efficiency-record-in-first-half-of-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/industry-sets-fuel-efficiency-record-in-first-half-of-08/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In light of the current pain at the pumps, fuel economy is on all of our minds these days no matter what kind of car you drive. That being the case, it might not be surprising to you that the car we're buying are getting more fuel efficient. Don't believe us? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just revealed that the U.S. auto industry set a new record in overall fuel efficiency during the first half of the 2008 model year by averaging 26.8 mpg through March. That's up from an average of 26.6 mpg through the entire 2007 model year.

While this is certainly good news for both consumers and manufacturers that need to meet the government's mandated CAFE standards, the numbers used by the NHTSA aren't really representative of the real-world fuel mileage you should expect to achieve on the road. The testing standards were initially created in 1975 and automakers get certain credits for creating flex-fuel vehicles, which can artificially inflate their miles-per-gallon numbers. Additionally, automakers earn credits for surpassing the CAFE requirements and can carry these credits forward for up to three years. Still, the numbers are somewhat worthwhile when comparing the current model-year with those of the past. Expect to see the year-end numbers set another new record as consumers continue choosing smaller and more fuel efficient models over larger, gas-guzzling choices.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Industry sets fuel efficiency record in first half of '08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 fuel efficiency2008 mileage2008FuelEfficiency2008Mileagecafecafe standardsCafeStandardsfuel efficiencyfuel mileageFuelEfficiencyFuelMileagenhtsaWed, 13 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes mulling blown four-cylinder for C-Class in the States]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/mercedes-mulling-four-cylinder-for-us-c-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/mercedes-mulling-four-cylinder-for-us-c-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/mercedes-mulling-four-cylinder-for-us-c-class/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



When the C-Class predecessor launched, it was known as the 190 and carried a four-cylinder powerplant underhood. Mercedes is now considering a return to four-pots in the U.S. market as the price of fuel continues to soar. MBZ is reportedly already testing a 1.4-liter carrying a supercharger, which is strange when you consider there's already a 1.8-liter blown four-cylinder on sale in Europe. The C180 Kompressor seems like it'd be the easy way to get fours back into the U.S. lineup, but Mercedes must have some other ideas driving the decision to develop the smaller 1.4.

Even stranger, while the talk is all about forced induction, the end result will supposedly be underwhelming in the power department, so Mercedes is planning on ramping up the glitter without delivering the gold. Perceived performance is the euphemism for a car that comes with a loud exhaust and twitchy throttle, and that's what Mercedes engineers think it will take to make the car palatable to U.S. buyers. Gee, leave the sound insulation out so that 25 mph feels like 100 and we're sold! Seriously, is this a late April Fool's joke? "Perceived performance?" A car that's not in denial about being thrifty might be more successful than a poseur.

[Source: Inside Line]

Mercedes mulling blown four-cylinder for C-Class in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>efficiencyfour cylinderfour cylinder c-classFourCylinderFourCylinderC-classfuel economyfuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelMileagegas mileageGasMileagemercedesmercedes benzmercedes c-classmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesC-classThu, 03 Apr 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep track of your fuel use with My Milemarker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/keep-track-of-your-fuel-use-with-my-milemarker/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/keep-track-of-your-fuel-use-with-my-milemarker/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/keep-track-of-your-fuel-use-with-my-milemarker/#commentsFiled under: ,



With gasoline prices sometimes spiking above $3, it's good to know just how much of the stuff you're burning. And as a good car owner, you know the best way to do that is to habitually keep track of how many miles you've driven, how many gallons you've pumped and how often you change your car's oil.

The easiest way, of course, is to just keep a small notebook and pen in your glovebox. But if you've abandoned such ancient technology for more modern record-keeping, maybe you should give My Milemarker a try. It's a new website that helps you keep track of things like how much fuel you're burning, how much money you're spending on that fuel and how often you're changing your oil.

It's simple, ad-free interface even lets you text message your information from your mobile phone. Or, if you have a laptop (or an iPhone), you can input the info directly. It will even keep track of multiple cars.

It's a sweet melding of geek and automotive. Oh, and it's free.

[Source: Lifehacker]

Keep track of your fuel use with My Milemarker originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel mileageFuelMileageMPGMPG calculatingMPG computingMPG trackingMpgCalculatingMpgComputingMpgTrackingWed, 01 Aug 2007 21:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill proposed to raise fuel economy standards 4% a year through 2018]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/bill-proposed-to-raise-fuel-economy-standards-4-a-year-through/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/bill-proposed-to-raise-fuel-economy-standards-4-a-year-through/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/bill-proposed-to-raise-fuel-economy-standards-4-a-year-through/#commentsFiled under: ,

U.S. Representative Ed Markey, D-Mass., is introducing a bill today that will require automakers to raise their fuel economy standards by 4% a year starting in late 2009 for cars and late 2011 for trucks. The key word here is "require," as President Bush proposed a similar plan that was more of a really strong suggestion with a few loopholes than an actual law with penalties for not being followed.

On the brightside, Markey's plan is reportedly less severe than previous ones he's proposed, though it is estimated that raising fuel economy standards 4% a year will cost the auto industry a grand total of $114 billion between 2010 and 2017. U.S. automakers would likely shoulder about $85 billion of that expense. Markey's plan would even require that fuel economy standards continue to rise 4% a year in 2018 and beyond, that is, if it's technologically feasible. Talk about a big if.

The ultimate goal of Markey's plan would get fuel economy standards for automaker fleets to 35 mpg by 2018. In truth, that's a decade of time to add an additional 10 mpg to the current standard. It doesn't sound impossible, especially if vehicles like the GM Volt reach production and prove that hyper mileage cars can be sold alongside relative gas guzzlers to even out the MPG balance sheets. Unfortunately, that doesn't really account for gas guzzlers outselling high-mileage vehicles many times over.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Bill proposed to raise fuel economy standards 4% a year through 2018 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFE requirementsCafeRequirementsEd MarkeyEdMarkeyfuel economyfuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelMileagegas mileageGasMileageTue, 13 Mar 2007 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Get ready for mileage to drop: new EPA rating system unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/get-ready-for-mileage-to-drop-new-epa-rating-system-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/get-ready-for-mileage-to-drop-new-epa-rating-system-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/get-ready-for-mileage-to-drop-new-epa-rating-system-unveiled/#commentsFiled under:



For the first time in more than 20 years, the US Government is changing the way they calculate the estimated fuel mileage on window stickers. The changes will be seen starting with 2008 model year cars in the form of a newly styled window sticker and a new test procedure to better reflect the actual mileage customers can hope to achieve.

The test procedure is being changed for a lot of reasons, but mainly it's because the government has realized that people don't drive much like the computer model used in today's testing.

They are going to adjust the procedure to reflect our higher freeway speeds, the fact that people tend to accelerate much harder than the computer, our constant use of air conditioning and the effects of adverse-weather driving. We can only guess that most estimates will go down somewhat in this new formula. And we are not alone.

Scared at the possible backlash when their vehicles appear to be getting poorer mileage, major carmakers have banded together to create a website, www.mileagewillvary.com, to help educate consumers about the apparent drop in fuel economy.

Consumers tend to be pretty savvy and at times ignore the estimates altogether, so we expect most people will adapt pretty quickly. One area that may be a concern, however, is the CAFE requirements, which may or may not be altered to reflect the new measuring procedures.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req]

Get ready for mileage to drop: new EPA rating system unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 EPA estimates2008EpaEstimatesCAFE requirementsCafeRequirementsfuel economyfuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelMileageUS GovernmentUsGovernmentwindow stickerWindowStickerTue, 12 Dec 2006 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Automakers spared tougher CAFE rules - for now]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/11/automakers-spared-tougher-cafe-rules-for-now/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/11/automakers-spared-tougher-cafe-rules-for-now/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/11/automakers-spared-tougher-cafe-rules-for-now/#commentsFiled under: ,

The U.S. congress gave automakers a break Thursday, as the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted down a proposal to require 33 mpg fuel economy standards (averaged over cars and trucks) by 2015.

The same committee voted in favor of a bill to give the administration more authority to change CAFE rules going forward, as part of its attempt to get in front of voters' growing concerns about the rising cost of fuel.

The next stop for the Bush administration's bill is the full House of Representatives - expect a host of amendments as lawmakers try to respond to their constituents' growing concerns about the nation's energy policy.

[Source: Automotive News]

Automakers spared tougher CAFE rules - for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 May 2006 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafefuel economyfuel economy standardsfuel mileagempgpresident bushUS congressThu, 11 May 2006 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Honda Fit Hybrid to get Insight engine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/2008-honda-fit-hybrid-to-get-insight-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/2008-honda-fit-hybrid-to-get-insight-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/06/2008-honda-fit-hybrid-to-get-insight-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Guess what happens to fit perfectly between the front wheels of a Honda Fit... the Honda Insight's hybrid powertrain. The distance between the front wheel hubs of both vehicles is identical, and a Honda insider confirmed to Bradley Berman of HybridCars.com that the Fit will arrive in 2007 with the Insight's hybrid drivetrain and the ability to achieve fuel economy in the low to mid-50 mpg range.

This is huge news as the Insight, which sells less than 100 units every month, has always been hampered for being an impractical two-seater. It soldiers on soley for the fact it allows Honda to maintain bragging rights for selling the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the U.S.

With 90 cubic feet of passenger volume and 21.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Fit Hybrid will be as practical and fuel-efficient as a Toyota Prius, but will likely cost between $15,000 and $17,000, substantially less than the Prius and even Honda's own Civic Hybrid.

[Source: HybridCars.com via TreeHugger.com]

2008 Honda Fit Hybrid to get Insight engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 May 2006 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel economyfuel efficiencyfuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencyFuelMileageHonda Civic HybridHonda FitHonda InsightHondaCivicHybridHondaFitHondaInsightHybridIMAIntegrated Motor AssistIntegratedMotorAssistmpgSynergy DriveSynergyDriveToyota PriusToyotaPriusSat, 06 May 2006 02:29:00 EST<![CDATA[High gas prices inflate nitrogen-in-tires debate. Again.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/high-gas-prices-revive-nitrogen-in-tires-debate-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/high-gas-prices-revive-nitrogen-in-tires-debate-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/high-gas-prices-revive-nitrogen-in-tires-debate-again/#commentsFiled under: ,

The picture at right nicely captures the sales message at many service centers. But will you get better gas mileage if you inflate your car's tires with nitrogen instead of compressed air? That's one of the claims of advocates of nitrogen inflation systems, like N2Revolution, and auto service centers that offer nitrogen inflation services (often for a fee).

The idea stems from the fact that underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, adversely affecting fuel economy (among other things). Any gas mileage improvement through using nitrogen in tires would come from nitrogen's reported ability to maintain tire pressure at the correct level for longer, because nitrogen is supposed to leak through the walls of the tire more slowly than oxygen. Well, perhaps, but air is already about 78 percent nitrogen, so devotees won't really realize a huge benefit from switching to pure nitrogen. Not only that, but leakage is likely to be more significant at the tire bead or around the valve than through the body of the tire.

Other nitrogen benefits are sort of "inherited" from its use in aircraft tires, truck tires and race car tires. (If it's good for the pros it should be good for us, right?) The use of nitrogen is required in the braked wheels of aircraft over a certain weight, because the inert gas reduces explosion risk under combinations of extreme loads and high temperatures that far exceed the conditions experienced by car tires. As an inert gas, nitrogen may also extend the life of the tire carcass - important if tires are retreaded, as is common for trucks and aircraft, but insignificant for car and light vehicle tires, where tread wear determines longevity. Racers know that the most important benefit of using nitrogen is that it is "dry" - the water vapor in compressed air causes too great a pressure change as the tire heats up, a big deal when a half-pound of air pressure change can affect the handling of a racecar at the outer limits of performance.

The bottom line? Nitrogen is no substitute for checking your tire's inflation regularly. If it's free, go ahead and use it. If you have to pay for it, save your money.

[N2Revolution via CNET]

High gas prices inflate nitrogen-in-tires debate. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 May 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel economyfuel mileagegas pricenitrogen fuel economynitrogen tiresNitrogenTirestiretire inflationtire lifetire mileageWed, 03 May 2006 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Live Green, Go Yellow, Get Directions from OnStar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/live-green-go-yellow-get-directions-from-onstar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/live-green-go-yellow-get-directions-from-onstar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/10/live-green-go-yellow-get-directions-from-onstar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

OnStar will begin a service in June that can locate ethanol refueling stations for customers with E85-compatible flex-fuel vehicles. OnStar subscribers will first get an email detailing where E85 pumps are in their area and if they venture outside the comfort zone a quick push of OnStar's blue button will dial up a representative who can help with directions. Inside Line is also reporting that OnStar is planning another new service that would let vehicle owners know when their tires are underinflated, a minor maintenance issue that can have a large negative impact on fuel economy.

Live Green, Go Yellow, Get Directions from OnStar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air pressureAirPressureE85ethanolflat tireFlatTirefuel economyfuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelMileagegas pumpgas stationsGasPumpGasStationsGMlow tiresLowTiresmiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgOnStarrefuelingservicesubscriptionMon, 10 Apr 2006 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan revises down Versa fuel economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/nissan-revises-down-versa-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/nissan-revises-down-versa-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/nissan-revises-down-versa-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In a short-but-sweet press release Nissan announced that it is revising downward the estimated EPA combined city/highway gas mileage for its Xtronic CVT-equipped Versa sub-compact. The original estimate was 38 mpg, which has now fallen to 33 mpg. Nissan offered no explanation for the adjustment. All Versa models are powered by a 122-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder engine.

 [Source: Nissan]

Nissan revises down Versa fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Apr 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CVTfour-cylinderfuel economyfuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelMileagemileagemiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgNissansub-compactVersaSun, 09 Apr 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Diesels from Europe that will out-eco a Prius]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/25/five-diesels-from-europe-that-will-out-eco-a-prius/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/25/five-diesels-from-europe-that-will-out-eco-a-prius/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/25/five-diesels-from-europe-that-will-out-eco-a-prius/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Your Prius may be rated at 60 mpg in the city and 51 mpg while cruising the countryside, but chances are you're not realizing those numbers the EPA obtained by strapping Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to a dynamometer. In Europe, where fuel economy is calculated by actually operating an engine on the road while it's under the hood of a vehicle, the Prius returns a more realistic 47 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway, or 5.0L/100km city and 4.2L/100km highway in the continent's native metric.

This more realistic fuel economy rating lowers the bar enough for a handful of European small cars to beat the Prius in a game at which many Americans believe it's indomitable. And guess what, these cars from the old world all use highly fuel-efficient diesel engines.

(All mileage numbers represent official European rating converted into miles/gallon via this conversion site)

Audi  A2 1.2 TDI
city: 65.33
highway: 87.11
average: 78.4







Smart fortwo CDI
city: 60.31
highway: 75.87
average: 69.18






Peugeot 107 Urban 1.4 HDi 54 / Citroën  C1 HDi 55 SX
city: 44.38
highway: 69.18
average: 57.37)





Citroën  C2 HDi 70 SensoDrive VTR
city: 48
highway: 61.9
average: 56



KIA  Picanto 1.1 CRDi EX
city: 48
highway: 31.9
average: 56







If many in this country are so concerned about eking the most amount of miles from a gallon of fuel, why hasn't the modern diesel enjoyed the same success here as the hybrid? The easy answer would be the ghost of diesel's past, particularly a bad batch of oil burners designed by Oldsmobile in the 1980's.

The more complicated response is that Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel hasn't been readily available in the U.S. like it is in Europe. This special blend of diesel contains less sulfur, which reduces emissions, but also allows for better emissions control systems to be used on a diesel engine. Fortunately ULSD will be the new standard in the U.S. come this fall. Some companies, like DaimlerChrysler, are waiting in the wings with 50-state approved diesels that are powerful, clean and get grand gas mileage. Will diesels finally become the eco-peer of hybrids? Who will be the first to marry the two in an ultra-efficient diesel hybrid production car? Time will tell, but we can all breathe easier knowing more green options are sprouting up every year.

Five Diesels from Europe that will out-eco a Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Mar 2006 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselfuel economyfuel milagefuel mileageFuelEconomyFuelMileagehybridmileagemiles per gallonMilesPerGallontoyota priusToyotaPriusultra low sulfur fuelUltraLowSulfurFuelSat, 25 Mar 2006 10:01:00 EST