mpg-o-editor

MINI Cooper D – 65 MPG Diesel Dream

by

The diesel-powered MINI Cooper D is a mileage-minded enthusiast’s dream car. With slot car handling and truly remarkable fuel mileage figures, it’s hard not to drool over the little gem. While MINI Cooper gas mileage is good, the MINI D’s numbers are insanely great.

After months of anticipation, I had the chance that few have had here in America. I spent the better part of a day with a sweet six-speed Nightfire Red MINI D.

Looking at the specs, it’s clear to see why this is the high-MPG king of the hot hatches. In UK measures, the six-speed manual transmission-equipped MINI Cooper D is rated at 60.1 urban / 80.7 extra-urban miles per gallon (MPG). That equates to roughly 50 city / 67 highway here in the States.

Read more

Driving Clean Diesels in Las Vegas

by

Alternative Fuels and Vehicles 2008 conference attendees were in for a rare treat at the Bosch sponsored a clean diesel ride-n-drive event on Monday evening, May 12th. After opening remarks from diesel hot rodding legend Gale Banks, attention turned to the race course laid out though the parking lots of the Rio Hotel and a … Read more

2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid MPG Review

by

Chevy Malibu MPG-o-Matic Review Summary: The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid delivers style and fuel economy, as it competes with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion among others in the Family Sedan category.

The Malibu Hybrid’s Ecotec 2.4 liter four cylinder engine and 36-volt NiMH battery powered electric motor assist produce 164 horsepower (HP) and 159 foot pounds of torque.

While this obviously isn’t the Malibu you’d bring to the drag strip (the 3.6 liter V-6 boasts 252 HP), it’s more than adequate on the road for a great many folks and feels more sprightly than the Saturn VUE Green Line, which uses the identical drive train.

Read more

2008 Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid SUV MPG Review

by

Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid SUV MPG-o-Matic Saturn VUE Green Line Review Summary: The distinctively styled Saturn VUE Green Line hybrid competes with the Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Jeep Patriot, and Compass among others in the crowded compact SUV category.

The Green Line is powered by a Hybrid drive train with a 2.4 liter Ecotec inline four cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower (HP) and 161 foot pounds of torque, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Read more