Compact Cars Now as Fuel Efficient as Large Motorcycles
Compact cars are getting more and more fuel efficient.
Although the U.S. won’t reach President Barack Obama’s goal of having one-million plug-in vehicles on the roads by the end of the year, standard gasoline engines are becoming more efficient as a result of electrified vehicles. In order to compete with automakers offering hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, some automakers are opting to enhance fuel economy on their existing gasoline engines, since it’s arguably cheaper than researching and developing a hybrid powertrain. As a result, fuel economy on compact cars are now equal to that of a large motorcycle, which is impressive considering how much more a car weighs compared to a motorcycle.
With stricter corporate average fuel-economy requirements making an appearance worldwide, automakers have been able to meet those mandates by modifying traditional gasoline powertrains through downsizing, adding direct injection and even forced induction with small turbochargers. Combine that with new transmissions that range from eight- to 10-speed units and it’s clear how fuel economy can improve without going electric.
SEE ALSO: Mazda Seeks 50 Percent Better Fuel Economy by 2020
Take the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost for example, equipped with a small 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine that gets an EPA-estimated 37-mpg combined rating. Vehicle owners reportedly get even better fuel economy than what’s stated and those figures are comparable to that from a Triumph Speed Triple motorcycle.
[Source: WardsAuto]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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it's true. Last decade when i bought 8 motorcycles within a 5 year period; my MPG was typically averaging mid to high 30's for my cruisers, my CBR600, my Ninja 636, and my Ninja ZX-11.