City ecodriving comparison: 2014 Mirage CVT vs. Mirage 5-speed vs. 1998 Metro 5-speed

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by cbaber

It would be interesting to see the EPA tests and how they are done. Obviously the M/T is not being driven to it's full potential.

I did a bit of searching on this, and the short answer is: when the EPA lab tests a manual transmission, the test driver has to follow prescribed shift points, and they're not optimized for best fuel econony.

So in the real world, it's relatively easy for a manual transmission ecodriver / hypermiler to beat the city/combined EPA rating, sometimes by significant amounts. (Like 41% over, in the case of the 5-speed Mirage!)

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Admin note...

See more: I split the interesting discussion about EPA testing & manuals into a dedicated thread...

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ing-27416.html

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[sheepdog 44]

What tires did it have?

[MetroMPG]

Tires are veerrrry interesting...

Dunlop Enasave -- the exact same size as the Bridgestone RE92's on the 1st generation Insight: 165/65R14.

And the same tire used on Mitsu's iMiEV electric car. So they should have good LRR performance.

It will be extremely interesting to see a comparison to the RE92's. At the very least, Insight owners will now have another replacement tire option for years to come. (Rumours always swirl that the RE92 is being discontinued...)

[Occasionally6]

Originally Posted by cbaber

I've always wondered why CVT transmissions never get better MPG than manuals. They were suppose to be the answer to auto vs manual problem for MPG, for Honda at least. Infinite gear ratios, always accelerating at the best RPM, low cruising speed, etc. I guess it all comes down to how the power is transferred to the tires, and the M/T just makes better use of it (and with much more control).

It's always worth asking: Why?

How much additional power is consumed by the hydraulic pump that moves the pulleys in the CVT? A lot of changes in ratio i.e. typical city driving would mean that's working harder right?

How is declutching done in the Mitsu. CVT?

[sheepdog 44]

Originally Posted by Occasionally6

It's always worth asking: Why?

How much additional power is consumed by the hydraulic pump that moves the pulleys in the CVT? A lot of changes in ratio i.e. typical city driving would mean that's working harder right?

This should answer general inquires.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post397991

[Miller88]

Originally Posted by spacemanspif

38mpg @75mph is pretty darn good for a 1.2L 3cyl engine. I'm intrigued by this car. I have my doubts about CVTs though, are they getting any better? Just seem like an expensive repair waiting to happen compared to the tried and true manual...

Its a JATCO 2 Speed CVT. They have problems making a "1 speed" CVT work - the same company that makes Nissan's CVT.

I would avoid.

[Occasionally6]

OK, it uses a TC. That explains a lot.

Needs a (manual or automated) clutch before we see what the real benefits of a CVT are.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Miller88

They have problems making a "1 speed" CVT work

Can you elaborate?

[3dplane]

Hi!

Today I bought a new 2014 mirage 5 speed!

My poor 94 protege developed an intermittent spark loss and even being a mechanic I am tired of my fleet of old vehicles braking down.
It was time to upgrade!

The average MPG reading started at 37.X at the dealer, but I reset it on the way home as we came to a stop at a red traffic light.

I never shut the engine off but did my best to hypermile this thing while not loosing my wife ahead of me. (following her). Including some neutral coasts when beneficial. By the time we got home (night,headlights on about 70 mile trip) the MPG on the display was showing 57.4 MPG.


This is stock straight from the dealer,no tire pressure bump or any mods.
We shall see how she does on my normal commute in the future!
Just thought I would share!

[MetroMPG]

FYI, 3dplane -

I split the discussion about your new Mirage into a dedicated thread, here:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...7-a-27469.html

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