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Baggage Handler #2 · 02-15-2009, 06:57 PM

Question:
I know the Malibu/Aura hybrids get a bad rap because of their mildness, but if they'd marketed them as "XFE" models with auto-stop (TAS, isn't it?) would there still be the angst? I was reading up on them, and it sure looks like if driven carefully they ought to do much much better then the EPA numbers - 'specially with the '08 revision.

One of our cars is a 2.0L with a stick, rated at 20/30 city/hwy, and I find it very possible to see 10-20% better than rated with 4-up. I do note, however, that idle time is the killer in city traffic, which is why the mild system intrigues me - it actually seems like a reasonable level of tech.

So... Question, does anybody know what is actually possible with the Malibu or Aura mild hybrids? I'm not expecting Fusion or Prius numbers, but surely with a little effort, 40 ought to be possible at 55, and upper 20's in town. I'd be pretty satisfied with that.

Thanks.

02-15-2009, 06:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Baggage Handler #2 EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 17 Boris - '04 Saab 9-3 Linear 90 day: 22.75 mpg (US) Natasha - '10 Saab 9-3 Combi 2.0 T 90 day: 24.42 mpg (US) Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	First post, thinking about getting a .... Question: I know the Malibu/Aura hybrids get a bad rap because of their mildness, but if they'd marketed them as "XFE" models with auto-stop (TAS, isn't it?) would there still be the angst? I was reading up on them, and it sure looks like if driven carefully they ought to do much much better then the EPA numbers - 'specially with the '08 revision. One of our cars is a 2.0L with a stick, rated at 20/30 city/hwy, and I find it very possible to see 10-20% better than rated with 4-up. I do note, however, that idle time is the killer in city traffic, which is why the mild system intrigues me - it actually seems like a reasonable level of tech. So... Question, does anybody know what is actually possible with the Malibu or Aura mild hybrids? I'm not expecting Fusion or Prius numbers, but surely with a little effort, 40 ought to be possible at 55, and upper 20's in town. I'd be pretty satisfied with that. Thanks.