mpg-o-editor, Author at mpgomatic.com

Lotus Eco Elise

October 26, 2013July 9, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

Is the Eco Elise the greenest Lotus ever? While not electric-powered like its Tesla cousin, the Lotus Eco Elise waves an unmistakenly green banner as Group Lotus takes a new focus on the materials used in construction, rather than the emissions rolling out of the tailpipe (or lack of a tailpipe altogether, as in the case of the Tesla).

Although MPGomatic makes a practice of not reporting on press releases (whenever possible), we’ll make an exception in this case. A big exception. It’s Lotus, for Pete’s sake, they’ve readied a smashingly eco-focused concept car for the British International Motor Show, and we have little chance of being on the other side of the pond to report on the car from the show floor.

Improving Gas Mileage (pt 2)

July 15, 2011July 8, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

Over the past months, I’ve used a Linear Logic ScanGaugeII in review cars lacking a built-in real-time fuel economy gauge. While I’ve achieved some pretty good results, there’s no magic to what I do … it’s simply a matter of driving conscientiously.

There’s little doubt that you can save a remarkable amount of fuel if you just put your mind to the task. Like so many things in life, if you don’t pay attention to the details, it will cost you …

It took me a little while to figure out which ScanGaugeII functions were most beneficial for improving gas mileage results. As of this writing, my favorite combination is the RPM (revolutions per minute), real-time MPG, TPS (throttle position sensor), and GPH (gallons per hour) read outs. Seeing these four gauges in one glance gives me the handle on how much fuel is running through the engine at any given moment.

Last week, I had the opportunity to put the ScanGaugeII to the test in my wife’s 2003 Honda Pilot, on a highway run to the airport and back.

Improving Gas Mileage with the ScanGaugeII (pt 1)

July 15, 2011July 7, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

The secret to improving your gas mileage can be found right in the mirror. If you want to cut your fuel costs, your vehicle doesn’t just need to be in tune … you need to be in tune with your vehicle.

The key to that quest is knowing how much fuel your engine is using in real-time. But here lies the dilemma … While some vehicles provide real-time fuel economy data via digital display, a great many do not. If your car lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge, all is not lost.

You just need to look to the after market.

My wife’s five year old Honda Pilot has 130,000 miles on the odometer, but it lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge. Now I’m not a hypermiler by any means, nor do I aspire to be, but I’ve been able to improve my gas mileage to the point where I can consistently score results of over 30 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway (in an 8-passenger SUV) by using an after market real-time display.

Linear-Logic’s ScanGaugeII is a simple plug-and-place device that provides a one-stop solution for drivers looking to uncork fuel economy data, as well as the stream of other valuable information hidden in a car’s computer (commonly referred to as the Engine Control Unit [or ECU]).

While the ScanGaugeII is a snap to use, you need to pay attention to the details. The inside cover of the device’s manual provides a strong proviso regarding the safe operation of the ScanGaugeII. In particular, you must take caution as where and how you mount the device. It’s imperative that the display is fastened safely in a spot within the line of sight yet free of obstruction, while routing the cable in a secure manner.

Best Gas Mileage?

July 4, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

If you’re looking for information on the best gas mileage cars, SUVs, vans, or trucks, you’ve come to the right place. From the moment MPGomatic was conceived, it’s been our goal to provide comprehensive data and unbiased reports in a positive and forward thinking manner. Getting the best gas mileage usually entails one of two things (but often both). You either upgrade to a vehicle that gets the best gas mileage or you apply techniques and technology to get improved fuel efficiency out of your current vehicle.

It’s not as tough as you might think.

We’re not here to sell you anything, nor to collect sales leads. Our agenda is simple. We want to provide you with the tools you need, so you can chart your own course.

A year ago, we began our quest with four basic charts and a nifty gas mileage calculator.

The charts make your choices clear to see:

Our scope has greatly expanded over the course of the past year.

2008 Mazda3 MPG Review

August 23, 2013July 3, 2008 by mpg-o-editor

Mazda3 MPG-o-Matic Mazda3 Review Summary: The Mazda3 is a fun to drive sport compact. We easily blew past the official gas mileage estimates in our extended test drive.

The Mazda3 is available as both a four door sedan and a five door hatch. It competes with the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Chevy Cobalt, among many others in the red hot small car market.

The Mazda3 can be purchased with a 2.0 liter or 2.3 liter inline four cylinder engine, depending on the model. Our copper red mica four-door touring model was fitted with the 2.3 liter engine, which produces 156 horsepower and 150 foot pounds of torque.