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Old 10-29-2013, 12:03 PM   #6 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,513

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
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I've been wondering the same thing -- how the EPA tests handle a manual.

I suspect the "drivers" have to follow guidelines about minimum engine RPM (meaning having to hold a lower gear than we might), and possibly also minimum RPM when upshifting.

Meanwhile, I short-shifted while accelerating, and then went for top gear at every reasonable opportunity, once at "cruising" speed.

As for the CVT, I've driven a few, but none as "aggressive" as the Mirage's in terms of low RPM operation. I was quite surprised, to be honest: it's the first automatic I've driven (outside of hybrid CVTs) that felt designed to work with me, not against me when trying for good economy. I was prepared to dislike it, but it earned my respect.

--

Thanks for the Facebook post - good idea.
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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