disappointed in MPG

[gomarlins3]

70 MPH and 37 MPG sounds about right actually.

[gozoner]

Originally Posted by lldsandsll

driving modes are irrelevant on the 6MT. ...

This isn't actually correct based on my experience. The IMA is charged and discharged differently between Normal and Econ modes on the 6MT. Basically, at freeway speeds in Normal mode the IMA tends towards staying charged. But in Econ mode the IMA is used for assist more often and thus won't stay charged.

Essentially, if the IMA had a brain, it would be thinking "Oh, the driver isn't in Econ mode so he/she must not care too much about MPG; guess I'll keep my battery filled"

[wkqkqkfk]

I've been getting 27mpg avg over last 4 fill ups

[TCroly]

I continue to be amazed by the lack of understanding of the hybrid system employed in our cars.

The IMA system in our car does very little for increasing fuel economy on flat stretches of highway, at speeds of more than 65 MPH. At these speeds, it is aerodynamics, rolling resistance from tires and drivetrain that have the most effect on fuel economy. Driving technique can play a significant role as well, but typically only when using advanced techniques like pulse and glide. Surprisingly the CRZ is not one of the most aerodynamic cars on the market.

So when someone says, I bought a hybrid and it barely gets better as mileage than my non hybrid on the highway, I have to wonder where these expectations come from.

The CRZ hybrid system is designed to make the most of slow down/speed up kind of driving found in suburban type road in light traffic. It does not do as well in stop/start, big city type driving where the Prius system is better by running in pure electric mode at low speeds.

My advice the the OP is, pump up your tires a bit, and slow down a little and you might find a few more MPG, but no, a CRZ is not going to deliver 40+ mpg at 70-75 mph. And that 3mph slow down on the uphill you found in Eco mode, that will save some fuel, if you have the patience for it.

[lldsandsll]

Edit, NM

[mdbrich]

Lots of other variables go into getting good mpg.

- Tire Pressure
- Wind
- Uphills, downhills, grades, slopes
- Intakes clean
- Driving style

Plus loads of more effects. I for one drive long distance constantly. I always check my air pressure, and have a washable KN filter. I usually get 37-39 when driving all HWY

[pete98146]

Originally Posted by dingleberry

Give it time. Once the "break in" period is over, you'll see a few more mpg's. In addition, there's a learning curve with hybrids before you get the peak mpg.

32 in the city is pretty low...I assume you live in a big city with lots of stop signs and red lights. I live in a small town and my suburban driving is usually in the 43-46 range. Last month on a long drive in the evening on A1A (few intersections), at about 50mph, I averaged 53.2mpg! But, when my wife drives the z (she's a leadfoot on both the gas pedal and brake), she NEVER gets 40+.

Its flat terrain here, and on the highway I get about 44mpg at 65mph, 41mpg at 70mph, and 39 at 75mph. Sport mode at 80+mph drops it into the low 30s.

So, I'm pretty happy since EPA est. is 32/38.

Hope so! I've only had my car for 6 days and I'm still on my first tank of gas. Currently getting 29.7 mpg and I'm babying it in Econ mode. I'm certainly not driving hard. Praying there is a break in period for the car and mpg increases over time.

[Scotty001]

Originally Posted by pete98146

Hope so! I've only had my car for 6 days and I'm still on my first tank of gas. Currently getting 29.7 mpg and I'm babying it in Econ mode. I'm certainly not driving hard. Praying there is a break in period for the car and mpg increases over time.

How many miles on that first tank? Idling kills the mpg and the dealer might of had it idling a bit before you got it. Go ahead and fill up the tank and let it reset trip A. Start from scratch and see what you got on your next fill up.

[IceOnFire]

Originally Posted by pete98146

Hope so! I've only had my car for 6 days and I'm still on my first tank of gas. Currently getting 29.7 mpg and I'm babying it in Econ mode. I'm certainly not driving hard. Praying there is a break in period for the car and mpg increases over time.

I got mid 30s on my first tank of gas. Then I discovered one of my tires was low. After fixing that I got instant gains...running in the mid to upper 40s on my daily commutes. Wouldn't hurt to check your tire pressure.

[gordonfc]

Re: the tire pressure and mileage / handling.

I bumped up mine from 29 to 34psi.
What a difference. Handled and braked 'way' better.
Steering much light and more positive in cornering.
Have not checked out the gas mileage since though.
Silver 6MT