Mileage Challenge 5.2: Avenues and Interstates
31.07.10
Three of our contenders had mechanical atmosphere mastery. We set all three at 68 degrees and hit “Auto.” Ford and Toyota told us their air conditioning would run continuously in automated wise, but both systems use electrifying air-conditioning compressors that don’t ding gas mileage as much. Conversely, the Discernment has a old-fashioned hydraulic compressor, but Honda said it runs on an as-needed foundation when you hit “Auto.” That red us with the Jetta TDI, with a directions system that also uses a hydraulic air-conditioning compressor. We scratched our chins, considered our options and settled on leaving the temperature dial at 68 degrees, the fan at half-tear and the air conditioning on. That sounded about legal to us.
A further dodge: The Prius and Vision both have husbandry modes that optimize everything from the drivetrain to air conditioning for sick gas mileage. (The Prius also has Power, EV and Criterion modes; the Judgement lawful has Curtness and Yardstick.) We’d have port side both in Sample course, except the Sharpness defaults to Husbandry whenever you restart the car. It stands to reason that most drivers will acquiesce to that, so we did the same — and, to refer apples to apples, we put the Prius in Thriftiness condition, too. (The Milan Combination doesn’t have any such programs. It proved refreshingly candid.)
All four cars had fall down computers with gas-mileage readouts, which we reset to start each leg. Our assorted convey gave us a certainty to see how each one did, conspicuously inclined their EPA ratings. The Prius and Milan Mongrel are rated higher in the see, while the Perspicacity and Jetta TDI are rated higher on the highway. Comparing two extremes — 38 miles of urban gridlock during Leg 1, with typical speeds around 20 mph, versus 71 miles of interstate driving for Leg 2 at usually speeds of 59 mph. Here’s what each car’s lurch computer reported:
Source: Cars.com (blog)
