Though the basic CAFE highway test cycle still only tops out at 60 mph, and averages a mere 48 mph, so it's hardly realistic either. The EPA also considers extra variability, such as 'High Speed', 'Air Conditioning' and 'Cold Temperature' tests, to adjust the city and highway mileage posted on every new car's window sticker to get it closer to real-world factors.
But as in the States, automakers in Europe have exploited loopholes to game the tests. Reuters cites European Environment Agency data suggesting manufacturers use tests that replicate an unrealistically smooth road surface, and use tyres that have extra traction.
There are other, less-obvious factors too. The structured nature of the tests means automakers can set up gear ratios to suit—particularly on automatic transmissions—while gentle throttle-mapping software, ineffective at higher speeds, can lead to better official mileage.
Finally, there's one significant difference some people are unaware of: The often-quoted European figures are measured in liters of fuel used per kilometers covered, the inverse of the North American gas mileage which is distance per fuel quantity, the other way around. So when those figures are converted to the more familiar MPG measure—generally for a U. And those aren't the same as U. In other words, that "mpg" European car is doing nearer 67 mpg—and it doesn't achieve anything near that in real life, because testing procedures are so far from reality.
In real-world driving, the figure is somewhere between the two, and EPA figures aren't always accurate either, particularly on diesel vehicles.
So next time you see a car advertised in Europe with some spectacular MPG figure, take it with a pinch of salt—because drivers aren't getting anything like that in the real world. The gearboxes there, along with the suspension systems, are much different than what we are used to. The American would also notice a much firmer ride due to the suspension that is much stiffer than we are used to.
On the other hand, if a European were to drive an American car for the first time, they would immediately notice the amount of cheap plastic that is used here.
The higher price gets them a better ride though, unfortunately for us. European car makers take a lot of pride in the vehicles they turn out for the public to buy. We hope they do anyway. Europeans are just much better at coming up with designs that are more pleasing to the eye. Americans are very safety conscious. The two sets of car makers just handle things differently. The American car is set up to be able to take a solid crash and still protect the driver and their passengers.
The plastic and fiberglass used are meant to crumple upon impact. This activates airbags and protects everyone inside. The drawback to that is sometimes even the weakest contact can cause significant damage to your vehicle. European car makers design their vehicles to be safe as well. This leads to them lasting longer and gives them a better shelf life than their American counterparts. Dodge makes a very durable product, but other than that, European car makers make more durable vehicles.
Most of the roadways in Europe are very narrow. A lot of these roads were built before cars were even imagined, so when you consider that horses and buggies were the main method of transportation when they were built, you can understand why they are so space challenged now.
They are also very twisty so they tend to need a vehicle that is smaller and can work better in close quarters. There's also the fact that houses and property over there are usually smaller and only have single car driveways. American roads are always being worked on and widened so we can better sustain the larger vehicles. When you are going to spend a good chunk of change, you want to get the most value for the money you are going to spend. This is the same no matter what the purchase is going to be.
If you are buying a house, cell phone, television or a new vehicle you want the best that you can get for the money you are going to shell out. The driver of this Lamborghini Huracan is lucky to escape with his life after losing control. Share Share Tweet Email. Related Topics Car Culture. The first is, as you mention, the Imperial gallon.
The British use a gallon that is 20 percent larger than a U. So right there, you increase the mileage rating by 20 percent. TOM: The second factor is engine size. The base model Fit in the U. That's true of a lot of cars sold in Europe. The cute, inconspicuous little Audi can charge along the autobahn all day at a governed mph. The chiseled lines hide an ultra-futuristic interior with glass surfaces, digital effects, and '80s-inspired seat patterns. This front-wheel-drive car comes with a choice of a gasoline, diesel, or electric powertrain; you can even get a manual transmission.
It won't go far in markets such as Germany, where large sedans are far outsold by high-powered station wagons. This "supermini" from the Romanian subsidiary of Renault is not exactly a cool car. For that kind of money, you get a hp three-banger, no air conditioning, and no radio.
Add a few thousand, and you can get those extras plus a turbocharged three-cylinder with 90 horsepower. And there's a crossover version that adds unpainted cladding and a bit more ground clearance.
Basic mobility is still cheap in Europe, although it may not stay that way: An EV's battery pack costs more than an entire Dacia Sandero. The Genesis G70 is one of our favorite sports sedans. When Hyundai's premium brand launches in Europe in late , the Old World will be treated to an especially interesting model: the G70 Shooting Brake. We mourn a loss, too: It looks like the manual transmission is gone with the G70's facelift.
So the perfect one, a manual Shooting Brake, will never be built.
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