I've been driving this 5-speed 2003 Suzuki Aerio sedan around the south shore of Nova Scotia this winter, and I've got to say I'm not overly impressed with the fuel economy.
4 fills:
- 36 mpg = 6.3 L/100 km
- 37 mpg = 6.3 L/100 km
- 33 mpg = 7.2 L/100 km
- 34 mpg = 6.9 L/100 km
Average: 35 mpg = 6.7 L/100 km
And that's using it on some of the
most eco-driving friendly routes I've driven.
Ecomods: only one is tire pressure.
Driving style: Probably 10% city, 90% on secondary highways at very sedate speeds 65-80 km/h (40-50 mph) or on the main highway at ~100 km (60 mph) or a little less. Driving with load most of the time, EOC on some hills & toward stops & turns.
The EPA ratings are: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined.
Doesn't that kind of suck for a non-sporting, compact, 4-cylinder, 5-speed car?
But satisfaction is all relative, right? I was slightly disappointed with the MPG of
my new-to-me junk Miata, and even that was better than this Suzuki! The Firefly would easily be getting 55-65 mpg in similar use.
I also have to say: this is by far the worst car I have ever driven in cross-winds. It's ridiculous how much it gets blown around -- constant steering corrections required. Something funny about the car's aerodynamics.
For its unimpressive MPG and cross-wind oddness, I've nicknamed it the
Non-Aerio.