Ford Insists Focus More Fuel Efficient Than Hyundai Elantra
Ford is ready to take on Hyundai in a duel for fuel efficiency bragging rights. Hyundai has advertised the redesigned 2011 Elantra as a 40 mpg rated subcompact, regardless of options.
However, Ford can only officially say that the 2012 Focus attains 40 mpg when equipped with the Super Fuel Economy package and six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is eager to prove that the Focus is more fuel efficient regardless or its options, so the American automaker organized a media drive in Romeo, Michigan.
Ford invited reporters to drive the Elantra at a steady 45 miles per hour around the 2.5-mile track. Then the reporters drove a Focus without the SFE package and lapped the track at the same speed. Conditions were equal for both cars and an engineer sat in the backseat, monitoring the fuel economy. The results showed that the average fuel economy of the Focus was 40.4 mpg and the Elantra achieved 37.8 mpg. This proves that the Focus is more efficient at a steady 45 mph than the Elantra.
[Source: Automotive News]
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It would seem that the Ford is more efficient but there is one variable that is not mentioned but is known to those understanding Hyundai engines: break-in. Hyundai engines are known to be less efficient during the break in period. This is well-documented and a quick google will confirm this. Having owned a Hyundai or two myself, I can confirm this. I am sure the Ford is a legitimate contender to the Elantra but keep in mind that Hyundai has not added the direct injection to the 2 litre Nu engine and when that is added, Hyundai will increase mileage further. Hyundai has kept an ace up its sleeve with the Nu engine in their Elantra. www.isleofexile.blogspot.com
OK... This is bunk and marketing spin. I have a 2011 Elantra with about 7k on the odo, and I can get about 50mpg at that speed. The sweet spot for this car is exactly at 40 mpg, where it hits sixth gear AND overdrive kicks in, settling the RPMs down to 1300. That pace will net you in the upper 50's for MPG. I had only a brief run this AM and showed 49mpg at 45mph in my .5 mile attempt. Not enough to be valid, but a far cry from what Ford claimed. what good is it to say that at a single speed you are more efficient than anyone? I can't believe any manager or engineer would sign off on this bone headed publicity stunt. how unrealistic of a test can you create?