Oh no, not another MPG thread from a newbie :-P

[W44NNE]

Sorry if the following sort of questions have been asked a million times but I'm on a budget and trying to work out if the CR-Z is feasable.

For it to work out, the car would really need to be achieving 50MPG (UK) or more.

I do most of my driving outside of peak times (throughout the daytime) although I sometimes catch the home traffic which I know won't help mpg.

I do mostly motorway driving at around 65-70mph with the odd bit of overtaking if there's some muppet along the way. I'd say my driving is 80% motorway and the rest town driving.

I'm looking at used CR-Z's that have covered at least 6000-10000 miles so are therefore hopefully worn in a bit. What shocked me today was the salesman telling me to drive like I stole it for the first few thousand miles as with a v-tec, that will really help open it up... I guess it's a theory

The only thing I don't get though is a Prius uses an electric motor up until around 30mph before the engine kicks in. The CR-Z however seemed to have the engine running all the time so is this a different type of hybrid system and if so, how does it work?

Thanks

[varg]

The higher speeds you go the worse your MPG will be, but if you have consistent speed you will get good milage like with any other car. What I do is keep the car in normal most of the time, then switch to econ when I hit the motorway.

I guess Honda hybrids work pretty much the same as the Prius above 30mph, but as you said, the Hondas can't run on electric only. On the plus side, the Honda system is much lighter and less compicated I don't know that much about the Prius hybrid system, but as I understand it the electric motor and the gas engine are seperate and join together in a/the gearbox, that's why you can run the electic motor alone, as they are seperate. On the Honda, the electic motor is directly linked to the same axle as the gas engine before the gear box. As I understand it anyways. Saves weight and makes it less complicated.

The modes are also a nice touch. In Econ the car will try to keep you below about 2k rpm and guide you to drive softer and more economically. In normal, it is pretty much like any other car, but still guides you with shift indicators and assists a bit less so it is better for steeper climbs then Econ, as it will not drain the battery as fast. In sport it is no longer about the mileage. It uses the IMA system more as a small supercharger or low end turbo, giving you extra power, more sensitive throttle response and "firmer" steering.

Personally I would never trade my CR-Z for a Prius. I love this little car, even though it could do with some firmer suspension and a bit more power, it is loads of fun. That stuff you can always improve with aftermarket parts anyway. It's a great car and a great platform for us mod heads

Just my 2 cents

[TallyBlue]

If you want the best mileage maybe get a Prius. If you also want to have fun AND get very good mileage get the CR-Z. Unless budget is that critical, you'll regret not getting the Z! IMHO

Happy motoring!

[atteSmythe]

Originally Posted by W44NNE

The only thing I don't get though is a Prius uses an electric motor up until around 30mph before the engine kicks in. The CR-Z however seemed to have the engine running all the time so is this a different type of hybrid system and if so, how does it work?

It is indeed a completely different system. The long and short of it, as I understand, is that because Honda's IMA is mounted directly to the engine, it can only run when the engine is turning over. Toyota's HSD uses some fancy gearing to allow the transmission to blend energy it receives from the engine, hybrid motor, or both....but I'll let the gearheads explain further to keep me from using (more) wrong terms and such.

[sandozer]

I average 52mpg on long runs of 130 miles regularly, even fully loaded with camping gear it returned over 50 mpg. That is on motorway, dual carriageway type roads and running at the max speed limit where possible.

Love driving this car, and the above figures achieved leaving it in Sports mode.

[W44NNE]

Thanks for the replies so far. Will see what figures the dealership comes back to me with today

[lexicon]

If you want to get 50 plus then it's easy. My average (over 12 thousand miles) is about 53 and going up. I can get 60+ if conditions allow.
On the other hand, if you thrash it everywhere, then you won't - it'll be more fun though.
I'd say atteSmythe's explanation pretty much covers the difference between Toyota and Honda's systems. Although the Prius will drive on battery alone, it'll only manage it for about mile or so. I've never driven one but I believe you have to accelerate very gently for the engine not to kick in.
If you need the ultimate economy and the extra practicality then the Prius makes sense, otherwise, get the Z!

[varg]

I would rather buy a Volt or an Ampera then a Prius, if I needed a bigger car that is. If it wasn't so expensive I would buy a Tesla in stead of the Z though, but then I'd need a second car as well.

[CrazySxyGrrrly]

I'm getting around 37mpg and I'm not (always) driving like a bat out of hell, but I do like to drive pretty quickly.