Fuel Economy Tests

In this episode, we test out the fuel economy in the all new 2016 Toyota Yaris Sedan. Drawing platform similarities from the Mazda 2 (not sold in Canada), the Yaris offers a peppy driving experience with impressive fuel economy numbers.

Our tester was equipped with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. Our tests yielded 262km on a half tank of gas and gave a decent average fuel economy of 6.4L/100km.

After using up a half tank of gas, we were able to fill it back up for $24.72 at a fuel cost of $1.02/liter. At that rate, expect to spend around $50 for a full tank of gas.

REAL WORLD TEST RESULTS

Tested fuel range: 262km on a half tank

Tested fuel range: 524km on a full tank

Fuel economy: 6.4L/100km

Fuel economy (mpg): 36mpg

REAL WORLD FILL UP COSTS

CAD $50 @ $1.02/liter

AS-TESTED VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

1.5-litre 4-cylinder (DOHC)

4-speed Automatic

106hp @ 6,000rpm

Front wheel drive

In this episode, we test drive the all new 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road today, and quite possibly the most affordable off-roader in the North American market.

Our test model was equipped with a 3.6-litre 6-cylinder engine, which provided enough pep and power for a vehicle of this size. Our tests yielded 288km on a half tank of gas and gave a decent average fuel economy of 13.9L/100km.

After using up a half tank of gas, we were able to fill it back up for $38.08 at a fuel cost of $0.94/liter. At that rate, expect to spend around $76 for a full tank of gas.

REAL WORLD TEST RESULTS

Tested fuel range: 586km on a full tank

Fuel economy: 13.9L/100km

Fuel economy (mpg): 18mpg

REAL WORLD FILL UP COSTS

CAD $38.08 for half tank at @94.6/liter
CAD $76 @ $0.94/liter

AS-TESTED VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

3.6-litre 6-cylinder (VVT)

5-speed Automatic

285hp @ 6,400rpm

Four wheel drive

We live in a day and age when a clean environment and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions are paramount in the automotive industry. It's nice to see, regardless of the reasoning behind it, and with that a lot more attention gets placed towards the Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year award.

Since 2005, the Green Car of the Year award has been handed out at the LA Auto Show in November, and they have just announced the five finalists. For this year, it's not surprising that there are no diesels that made the short list. Recently, the Volkswagen AG group gave both trophies back for its overall wins with the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and the 2010 Audi A3.

For 2016, Audi makes the list again with the A3 e-tron, as well as the Chevrolet Volt, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Prius. It's a list filled with electrics, hybrids and fuel-efficient gas models.

“This is the strongest field of finalists we’ve seen in our annual Green Car of the Year program,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal. “Each of the five nominees makes a strong environmental statement in distinctly different ways, with a common strategy of recognizing what’s most important to today’s drivers. Their use of wide-ranging powertrain technologies underscores that all approaches are essential to achieving important environmental goals.”

The award will be handed out at the Green Car of the Year's press conference at 9:00am PT on Thursday, November 19.

In this episode, we look at the 2016 Lexus RC - Fuel Economy Review + Fuel Costs (RC350 - Automatic). The Lexus RC 350's fuel economy numbers are: 12.6L/100 km in the city, 9.1L/100 km on the highway and 11.0L/100 km combined. We tested it and received 13.8L/100 km.

Closest competitors:

- Cadillac ATS
- Mercedes C350 Coupe
- BMW 435i
- Audi A5/S5