Did the EPA really blow it with the CR-Z'S MPG rating?

[charlyhybrid]

So after my first 2500 miles i finally crossed into the 45 mpg overall rating according to the cr-z's computer with the 6 speed manual, and after doing some research here and on fuelly it appears most people (with both versions of the car) are crushing EPA ratings, the cumulative in fuelly is 39.4 MPG.

So the EPA really blew it by rating this car at 34 MPG , my understanding is they don't even test most cars and the ones they don't test they simply run thought a formula, this produces some simply inaccurate results, for example the new Hyundai line up (accent, elantra, sonata) have very good ratings even better than the CR-Z in some instances, but in my personal experience with them (i manage a valet parking lot at a hotel and i dont pass up the opportunity to peak at the mpg ratings) and in fuelly's ratings these cars struggle to get to the epa's overall rating. The new Ford compacts (fiesta, fusion) also suffer from this to some degree, So in my opinion the EPA really hurt one of the most efficient cars available in the us by submitting it to its arcane formula's and Honda should have been more aggressive in highlighting the CR-Z's amazing green abilities.

[only9balls]

I tend to agree, I know a couple people with these cars, and we are all beating the listed averages. I just got my highest average to date on my last tank... 39.8

[MachVEvan]

For the last 5 tanks I have averaged 41+ mpg with my best at 42.6.

When fall hits I won't be using the AC as much either. Should make for a positive change in economy.

[lexicon]

I noticed this too because the EU figures are quite a lot higher - the truth is probably somewhere inbetween. The EU numbers are notoriously difficult to achieve for the average driver.

............EPA EU
City........31 38
Highway..37 53
Average..34 47

My average over 12000 miles is 43.6
(All in US gallons).

[holeydonut]

I've basically got it so I can get 42mpg without even trying... (with air-con running too). I agree, the EPA screwed Honda and the CR-Z with a really horrible mpg rating.

[TCroly]

If you look at fuelly reported fuel economy for all Honda's, you will see that they are usually much higher than the EPA rating. The same cannot be said for any other manufacturer.

For some reason Honda does not play the game that other manufacturers do to optimize it's setups for best EPA test mileage at the expense of real world mileage. The EPA's testing process is performed on a dynamometer and is strictly controlled. As a result it is possible to set up throttle inputs and shift points specifically designed for the test. For example the Prius is designed to run for the maximum amount of the test using electric power.

[VTEC Mini]

Another factor is that the rating is based on the car is in NORMAL mode and these cars are tested when the engines are new so the engines are tighter then and there MPG's are not as great as when the engine breaks in. I noticed now that I am at 6.5K miles I am getting much better gas mileage now than when it was new along with my driving habits have changed more to match the cars potential.

[MachVEvan]

^^^

Agree agree agree.

The mileage, for me, picked up sharply once the engine got past 3k, and when I figured out how to trick the human into driving differently.

The drill I use to improve my mileage is all in the first 50 miles, when average economy fluctuates wildly based on the slightest of factors. I almost always try to get the average in the 42.0+ range just to make it clear what I can keep for the rest of the tank, and I just try to keep it up there for the duration. I have noticed that it is a hard task indeed to get you average to go up after a certain point, but it is always easy to diminish, and so far it is working for me to mentally make a game out of mileage.

I've also began flipping to sport mode when in 5th and 6th gear, since the electric boost comes on faster and doesn't require you to burn as much fuel at the same throttle input as normal or econ. This makes passing and changing lanes easier and more fun too.

[sfrace]

I have my crz for 2 weeks now. Have about 1500 kms on it avg 45 first tank and on pace to better that on this tank. I think theres alot of factors that can change that. I'm impressed considering I haven't even finish breaking it in.

[pmath1]

Originally Posted by MachVEvan

I've also began flipping to sport mode when in 5th and 6th gear, since the electric boost comes on faster and doesn't require you to burn as much fuel at the same throttle input as normal or econ.

Assuming this statement is true, would there be any offsets to the practice, such as the air conditioning working with greater intensity in sport or the cruise control being more precise in sport vs. "loose" in eco? I'll gladly add it to my shifting routine if it really works.