Published 08th February, 2014
Fuel economy is rising even though vehicles aren't getting lighter or less powerful.
A US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report indicates that the average weight of vehicles hasn't altered significantly since 2008. However, the average horsepower has increased.
With an exponential increase in the percentage of light vehicles using power-enhancing technologies such as fuel injection systems, turbochargers and 6-speed plus transmissions, it appears that new powertrain technologies are in part responsible for the improved energy output from each litre of petrol.
Automotive manufacturers' fuel efficiency include Mazda's fleet-wide rating of 27.1 mpg which represents a 2.1 mpg improvement from 2011. Honda and Toyota have achieved 26.6 mpg and 25.6 mpg respectively across their entire range.