Fuel-efficient cars for the road-savvy driver
AMONG the many factors that car buyers consider when making a purchase, fuel efficiency likely places near the top, if not on top of the list of considerations. Whether it’s for a new hatchback or an SUV, buyers care how much mileage a vehicle can get out of a full tank, and more often than not, those cars with the better fuel economy are the ones rolling out of the dealership.
It all comes down to the practical nature of Filipinos. The cost of fuel is rising ever higher, while the roads of Metro Manila are becoming more congested. It simply makes sense to get the cars which can get their owners the most bang for their buck. Which cars are the most fuel efficient? To help with the search,
we’ve put together a list of the vehicles with the best fuel economy in the market.
SUZUKI CELERIO
Powered by a 3- cylinder 1.0 DOHC engine that can create up to 67 hp and 90 Nm of torque, Suzuki’s extra large small car can zoom up to an impressive rated 29.14 kilometers per liter on highways with light traffic, making it one of the most fuel- efficient cars around. Not only that, as the vehicle is also available with either a 5- speed manual transmission or a Continuous Variable Transmission ( CVT), the Celerio is also the first subcompact to offer a CVT. Suzuki entered the Philippine subcompact car market with style, as the Celerio features a sharp front mask with expansive character lines, and an aerodynamic rear profile designed to create a stylish silhouette that hides its spacious interior. The model allows for more legroom, headroom, and elbowroom for all five passengers than its counterparts in the market, and can store 254L worth of cargo. In addition, the back seats can be split folded 60:40 for additional space. A perfect family vehicle for those looking to get the most out of every trip.
HONDA BRIO AMAZE
In an internal fuel economy run observed by an Automobile Association of the Philippines ( AAP) representative in December 2015, the Brio Amaze checked in an astounding recorded 33.88 kilometers per liter for highway driving. With its 4- cylinder, 1.3 liter i- VTEC engine mated with 5- speed automatic transmission and 5- speed manual transmission, along with the compact size and powerful engine, the Brio Amaze delivers superior performance and efficiency whenever its needed.
Honda not only came out with its most efficient sedan with the Brio Amaze, it also launched a premium- styled package with an affordable price. The model’s smooth planes interplay with clean lines
to give the compact exterior a strong presence, while its a multi- ref lector headlamps, a sporty- chrome grille, and the tail lamps with chrome accents makes it distinctively unique to the eye. The interior yields a spacious and comfortable cabin with sturdy surfaces, high- quality and beige color scheme that creates a simple but refi ned feel.
MAZDA 3
According to the 2017 Light- Duty Automot ive Technolog y, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Mazda tops the list of the most fuelefficient automotive brands for the fifth straight year, thanks to the car maker’s proprietary SKYACTIV Technology. The SKYACTIV Technology is a blanket term for all of Mazda’s innovations under the company’s long-term vision for technology development, and includes highly efficient engines, transmissions, and crash safety measures.
That said, what better way to try out the brand’s world- class innovations through the new Mazda 3 sedan. Mazda’s mid- level offering is manufactured in Japan and comes with the brand’s innovations in a sleek, classy package. Between the utilized KODO — Soul of Motion design philosophy to define the Mazda 3’s aggressive features and the front and rear bumper designs, as well as the SKYACTIV technology for the car maker’s signature performance, it’s hard to go wrong with this model.
TOYOTA PRIUS
When it comes to hybrid sedans, Toyota’s Prius hybrid car is hard to beat simply for the number of technological innovations that come with its nameplate. Known as one of Toyota’s most environmentally friendly models, the Prius also boasts a number of advanced safety and performance features, from the signature Toyota Safety Sense, to the model’s bold and unmistakable design.
In a Fuel Economy run held by the Department of Energy in November, the Prius came with an impressive recorded 26.13 kilometers per liter. Coming with a 1.8L 4- cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor with Hybrid Synergy Drive engine, paired to an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with ECO and Power Mode settings, the Prius is an automobile to be reckoned with.
MITSUBISHI MIRAGE
Mitsubishi made the headlines when dur ing an Eco Dr ive Ma rathon s uper v i sed by the Aut omobi le Association of the Philippines, the G4 model of its Mirage subcompact lineup managed to hit 1,647 kilometers on one full tank, or 42 liters of fuel.
Currently in its sixth generation, the Mirage offers balance to its drivers, whether through its remarkable performance or through its design. Outside, it is stylish and functional. Inside, an ergonomically designed 5- seater cabin crafted for the joy and comfort of both driver and passenger. The Mirage is available with a 1.2L gasoline engine churning out 78 hp with 100 Nm of torque, coupled to either a 5- speed manual or CVT in the Philippines. —