Most fuel efficient hatchback? - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Isaac Zachary · 01-20-2021, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dremd

At 0F life can no longer exist in my part of the world.

Part of my reasoning for getting the Leaf is that in cold climates, like where I live, the batteries seem to last forever. But in a place like Louisiana, Leaf batteries do not last long at all.

MetroMPG · 01-20-2021, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebeard

So, does the shotgun seat fold down? Else you just take it out and have a three passenger vehicle with good ingress/egress to the back seats.

You hit the nail on the head. The front passenger seat has an airbag, so if it's removed, it'll make the SRS computer angry. I've heard you can spoof the system into thinking there's a seat there with the right value of resistor in the wire connector. But I'm not smart enough or dumb enough to try it.

As a workaround for extra space, I've removed the rear seat cushion, front headrest, and laid the front seatback back as far as it would go. I did that when I made the Mirage into a mini camper/RV.

If memory serves, there's a bit over 7 feet between the hatchback and the dashboard.

Stubby79 · 01-21-2021, 03:14 AM

Needs a fold down front seat, like my wife’s SUV...can put 8’ boards in there and close the trunk no problem.

With my echo, I can put them in at an angle between the seats, up on the dash, and get a few 8’ in with the trunk closed. Not many though! (Like 6 2x4s)

pwillikers · 01-21-2021, 09:39 AM

Honda Fit

MetroMPG · 01-21-2021, 09:47 AM

That's a good call too.

If it's just for use as a 2nd car, and the other vehicle is ideal for highway trips, I do like the suggestion of finding a cheap Nissan Leaf.

Ecky · 01-21-2021, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwillikers

Honda Fit

My wife has a Fit. It's cavernous inside for how small it is on the outside.

With the front seats all the way forward, the two of us can *almost* lay down flat in the hatch area. This is probably the Correct Answer for a car that's bigger inside than outside. Honda used some tricks, such as extremely shallow doors, and moving the fuel tank to a hump which the driver seat sits on top of, to maximize interior dimensions.

EDIT: She doesn't keep an updated fuel log, but in summer she averages ~44mpg in mixed driving, measured at the pump.

dremd · 01-21-2021, 11:17 AM

Honda fit is a FANTASTIC car. Probably the "best" car I have ever owned. Way more space than you expect. Same useable space as MKIV VW Jetta wagon, current Gen Subaru Forester, or Rav 4. I had a first Gen Sport, highly recommended.

Realistically, what's your budget? Best hatch back ever I'd say Model Y Performance, but that's not realistic for many people. Best budget I LOVE my MKIV Jetta Wagon TDI with 6 speed. Most efficient, the Leaf is real hard to beat. My Model S is an absolute joy, but I have a hard time recommending one as old as mine to someone who isn't dedicated to making it work.

Edit:
I have carried 10 ft material in the Leaf many times.
Leaf is the Best second car EVER, i bought mine 4 years ago thinking it would get used occasionally due to limits, it got used for EVERYTHING except occasionally some trip it couldn't do.