|
It's partially true. Not just because of imperial mpg figures. Most cars in Norway are slow diesels, so my '07 CRV is considered a gas guzzler with it's 150 hp R20 engine and automatic.(average 23.5 mpg, which tbh isn't very good) My previous '03 with the K20 and manual managed around 25 mpg (28 mpg highway) while my older more aerodynamic Ford Sierra 2 liter injection could easily do 30 mpg back in the day, and was still not considered a very econimoc car. The new Civic 1.6 diesel is supposed to do 50+ mpg (averaging 60) in city driving (real life) but is considered to be one of the most economical actually practical cars (the XL1 is hardly a car at all) while still being pretty fast by Norwegian standards (around 10 seconds 0-60).
Americans expect cars to do 0-60 in less than 8 , and cruise the highways at 70 mph. There is just no way to do that economically in a safe, quiet modern car with an ICE.
|