Life in the Slow Lane, Literally

[gozoner]

Spent my first 210 mile round trip commute with the new CR-Z in the slow lane. Really the first time in my life that I have spent any time whatsoever in the slow lane. Frankly, used to snicker at the slow lane cars at 60-65 with all the merging cars and trucks while I sped along at 75-80 mph in lane #1. Now, alas, I am the target of the snicker.

And, what do I get in exchange? An indicated 44 mpg at 65-68 mph. Very happy with that given the numerous large hills both coming and going.

[Ichii]

Life in the slow lane isn't so bad, when you get about it 44-47 mpg.

[romiata]

I was the same Except I just changed up a few days ago! After my first 7k miles, I was only averaging 34-36 mpg; now I'm around 40-42 for the last 1k

[dingleberry]

They flash their lights, honk their horns, and call you an "idiot" (ala a popular George Carlin anecdote). After fulfilling the needs of their ego, its back to surfing on their iPhone, texting, and eating a 4 course dinner while driving. THEY are the FOOLS! THEY cause the accidents.

It gets even better at 45-50mph. I live in south FL, and occasionally need to make 40-50 mile trips down the coast during the evening. I can either: take the interstate which would turn the trip into 60-70 miles or U.S. 1, where the lights are nicely synchronized at that time of day, and I get 50-52mpg in my "Z". I would get to my destination a 10 minutes sooner using the interstate, but use nearly twice as much fuel.

Getting better mileage is a learned activity that requires thought, focus, and patience. These hybrids teach you how. Not for "no-attention-span" people.

Originally Posted by gozoner

Spent my first 210 mile round trip commute with the new CR-Z in the slow lane. Really the first time in my life that I have spent any time whatsoever in the slow lane. Frankly, used to snicker at the slow lane cars at 60-65 with all the merging cars and trucks while I sped along at 75-80 mph in lane #1. Now, alas, I am the target of the snicker.

And, what do I get in exchange? An indicated 44 mpg at 65-68 mph. Very happy with that given the numerous large hills both coming and going.

[Whynot?]

i get 60+ on my scooter....

[Willard]

Its funny how traffic dosent bother me as much anymore now that I have a slow, high MPG car. Leasurly poking home around 60-65 in the slow lane is perfectly fine with me as long as Im getting 42-45 MPG.
Around town its tougher regardless of lane choice due to tailgaters, impatient SUV divers, and idiots in full sized pickups.

[GeeGeeViz]

Originally Posted by gozoner

Spent my first 210 mile round trip commute with the new CR-Z in the slow lane. Really the first time in my life that I have spent any time whatsoever in the slow lane. Frankly, used to snicker at the slow lane cars at 60-65 extreme blue headlights the merging cars and trucks while I sped along at 75-80 mph in lane #1. Now, alas, I am the target of the snicker.

And, what do I get in exchange? An indicated 44 mpg at 65-68 mph. Very happy with that given the numerous large hills both coming and going.

The slow lane isn't so bad. I mean, yeah it might take you longer to get from place to place, but oh well. Be safe and allow your car to run smoothly.

[dingleberry]

I walk my son home from elementary school every day (2 mile round trip). Never ceases to amaze me these people in F150s and Yukons (with the Nascar urination decals in the rear window) who live closer than me, sitting there idling the 5.0L V8 for 20-30 minutes waiting for junior to get dismissed. Then the long 90 second ride home.

Same ones who complain the loudest about the price of gasoline. Forgive my naivety, but wouldn't gas be cheaper if we didn't waste it, creating a higher demand?

At least a few of my neighbors takes turns picking up each others' kids to save time and $$$ for all.

Originally Posted by Willard

Its funny how traffic dosent bother me as much anymore now that I have a slow, high MPG car. Leasurly poking home around 60-65 in the slow lane is perfectly fine with me as long as Im getting 42-45 MPG.
Around town its tougher regardless of lane choice due to tailgaters, impatient SUV divers, and idiots in full sized pickups.

[CR-Z Canadian]

Originally Posted by dingleberry

...
Getting better mileage is a learned activity that requires thought, focus, and patience. These hybrids teach you how. Not for "no-attention-span" people.

Isn't that what the "Sport" button is for???

And, truthfully, the trade-off in the way of MPG for a little fun once in a while (or to move safely ahead of a tailgating SUV) isn't that bad, either!

[GaZoom]

I think I like "Normal" better than "Sport".

The more linear throttle opening/pedal movement just feels better to me.

Its the same power, just different pedal feel.

I like it that we have a choice

edit: (NOT!)

edit: Research has informed me, it is not the "same power" after all with the 6MT.

edit: While the CVT gets different gear ratios with "Sport" mode, 6MT gets more IMA assist!

edit: I am a converted "Sport" mode user now