Aerodynamics are key to electric vehicle (EV) efficiency and driving range. The basic principle is simple; the lower the coefficient of drag (cD), the further you can travel per charge. The slickest cars follow nature. A bird that’s shaped like a brick cannot fly. Unfortunately, electric vehicle aerodynamics have taken a back seat to the whims of the market. In the quarter century since the introduction of the General Motors EV1, it’s 0.19 cD remains unrivaled.
Vehicle subscription services offer a compelling alternative to traditional ownership, leasing, and rental. They are useful in situations that prevent long-term commitment. Think of it as an in-betweener for those times when a traditional rental is too expensive and a lease is too burdensome. Need a car for a month or two (maybe six)? A subscription might be right for you. The primary differentiators between car subscription plans include service areas, monthly costs, upfront fees, mileage limits, flexibility, and vehicles offered. A slew of companies have launched in recent years and the marketplace is evolving rapidly.
Turbocharging allows a small displacement engine to achieve significantly higher levels of horsepower (HP) and torque on demand, while delivering more miles per gallon (MPG) in light-load conditions. Once thought of purely from a performance perspective, forced induction technology has become a cornerstone of the march to higher fuel efficiency. You can have your cake and eat it too.
The top 15 list of highest combined MPG 2015 vehicles includes a mix of diesel and gasoline powered models, with the VW Jetta Hybrid taking the top spot. The Jetta Hybrid’s superior city fuel efficiency provides a significant advantage in tough traffic.
MPG-o-Matic Volvo C30 Review Summary: The Volvo C30 is a distinctively styled three-door hatchback that competes with the Audi A3, Mazda Speed 3, Mini Cooper S, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen GTI, and R32.
The EPA gas mileage estimates for the 2008 Volvo C30 come in at 19 city / 27 highway, when equipped with the automatic transmission. Over a number of days of driving, we found those estimates to be a tad low, as we achieved 27.5 miles per gallon in combined driving in twenty to thirty degree weather.
The Volvo V50 is a station wagon that’s well worth a look for sport-loving families … especially those that enjoy those treks to the mountains in the winter time. The V50’s gas mileage figures are very respectable, even more so when equipped with all wheel drive (AWD). As an alternative to the ubiquitous gas guzzling SUV, the V50 has plenty to offer.
Volvo V50s sold in America are fitted with either naturally-aspirated or turbocharged five cylinder engines. The 2.4i’s engine puts out 168 horsepower (HP) and 170 foot pounds of torque, while the turbo in the T5 and T5 AWD puts out 227 HP and 236 foot pounds of torque. All models are fitted with a five-speed Geartronic transmission.
The V50 is not currently available with a diesel engine in the USA. Abroad, however, the V50 is fitted with a range of highly economical common rail direct injection diesel power plants. As a point of comparison, lets salivate over the specifications and fuel consumption statistics for the manual transmission-equipped diesels currently available in the V50 in the United Kingdom: