Poor fuel consumption

[fral659]

Yes, there is a difference between actual calculated gas mileage and what shows on the trip computer. I have seen this in all 4 cars (different makes) that I have had trip computers. The calculated is more accurate. Make sure to always fill up the same such as just till the pump shuts off, reset the trip odometer, then drive till next fill up. Take miles driven divided by actual fuel used to fill up and that will be dead accurate. As far as mpg, I now have almost 6,000 miles on my cube, I have the CVT, not the manual tranny. I drive mainly city back and forth to work, but just took a 2600 mile highway trip to Florida. Use AC most of the time, have averaged 30.5 mpg over the 6,000 miles. About 29 to 30 in town, about 31 on the highway - not much difference. I usuall go about 280 - 300 miles between fillups. On the trip I stretched that at times to about 350, but that is due to the small gas tank in the cube. Also, when the low fuel light starts flashing, if I fill up right then it only takes about 9 to 9.5 gal, leaving 3.5 to 4 gal still in the tank. I don't care much for the gas gauge on this car, but I can live with it due to all the other benefits of this car.

[Ezee1o]

Originally Posted by fral659

I don't care much for the gas gauge on this car, but I can live with it due to all the other benefits of this car.

i hate the hash marks for the fuel gauge. id rather have a gradual needle drop as opposed to a having hash marks dissappear

[freekwonder]

Luckily I'm averaging about 28-29 highway/city mix. The same route I got 21-23 in my Mazdaspeed 6. Though I do miss the AWD and turbo.

[happystranger]

I thought I was the only one. I was going crazy because I've had the car for about 3 weeks now, but had to fill up 3 times already. But then again, I did a lot of driving one week. The way I see it, I have 1300 miles on the car now, so basically, it's actually not bad compared to the Z I used to have. And I do drive 80 on the freeway with the AC on so I can only blame myself.

[BoNKerS]

I have the automatic CVT trans, I'm averaging 10.5L/100km mostly city driving.

I expected better gas mileage This is our winter car and expected to be around 8 -8.5 L/100km. Averaging 10.5L/100km is greatly disappointing.

We are above 17,000 km.

At least my wifeloves the design of the car?

[Dalty]

I think I may have just answered my own question after having read this discussion in today's paper entitled:

Can you trust fuel economy stats from auto makers?
Lies, damned lies and fuel economy statistics: EnerGuide fuel consumption ratings bear no resemblance to reality, but they’re still useful

The article and discussion can be found at
Can you trust fuel economy stats from auto makers? - The Globe and Mail

Since the article may not still be available by the time you read this I'll quote the most relevant passages.

Real world fuel economy absolutely differs from the sticker numbers. That’s why Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada – who both post fuel economy numbers and offer fuel savings ideas on their respective web sites – clearly state that the numbers are useful in comparing various vehicles; they are not useful for establishing the real-world fuel economy you will get in daily driving.

Look, there is such a thing as the scientific method and that’s why laboratory tests are conducted – to control the variables. It’s more important to have valid comparisons than to make a guess based on a bunch of random driving. Just remember that most of the actual testing is done by car companies, who then submit their numbers to government for approval.

You see, no one in government actually tests all the vehicles in Canada for fuel economy. Instead, the car companies submit their numbers and the government accepts them, though there is some selective verification – sort of like the random extra searches you see at the security stations at airports.

If you want to get some real numbers based on real driving, don’t ask a bunch of civil servants for it. Count on some good old, car-driving journos to give you the truth. The most comprehensive batch of numbers can be found at edmonds.com. Their long-term testing programs record actual on-the-road fuel consumption. Each vehicle gets about 20,000 miles (remember they’re American) of driving by a whole range of different drivers in different conditions. They average it all out and, bingo, there’s a fuel economy number you can believe in.

I hope this helps others as it helps me better understand the fuel numbers provided by manufacturers.

[fred0804]

My cube with the cvt has NEVER been under 30mpg. Almost always around 33 actually. Three factors of note;1. I live in Florida with warm weather and flat roads and no warmup. 2. I have a light foot and coast to stops if possible, have actually gotten over 40mpg on certain trips. 3. All my mpg test are the old fashion way, miles driven divided by gallons at fillup. I always find the car computer reads about 2mpg high.

[Unhappy Cube Owner]

What is your mileage? I hit 85,00 and my fuel pump has to be replaced already - at the cost of about 800 bucks. This is in addition to replacing the engine, and transmission already. Get rid of this car as soon as you can - its a nightmare.

[4sadie]

I have a 2010, with around 2400 miles on it. I do mostly city driving with my commuite being around 20 miles one way to work, and I am getting around 300 miles per gallon, and averageing around 31 miles per gallon. Yes, mine is an automatic also, and yes I run the air conditioner as well.

[fred0804]

had my cube 8 mths now, 22k and not a single problem, just drove thr blue ridge pkwy, avg. 36 mpg. great car