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AJAC EcoRun showcases latest fuel-saving technologies

Cross-country fuel-efficiency demo featured 27 vehicles from 14 manufacturers

Clare Dear
Published: June 8, 2016, 1:20 PM
Updated: June 10, 2016, 11:36 AM

Technology plus drivers can improve fuel economy

Technology helps but drivers can also reduce fuel costs simply by driving more efficiently.  Text and photos by Clare Dear ▲

Showcase of fuel-efficient technologies

The AJAC EcoRun, now in its fifth year, was created by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) as a mobile showcase of the latest fuel-efficient and emissions-reducing technologies being developed by the automotive industry. It was not a competition but rather an opportunity to show Canadian consumers that regardless of the type of vehicle they are shopping for, or the price range that suits their budgets, there are cleaner, more fuel efficient alternatives in the marketplace.   ▲

27 vehicles from 14 manufacturers

This year, for example, 14 manufacturers participated, fielding a total of 27 vehicles that ranged from pickup trucks and sports cars to family sedans and luxury cruisers. There were pure electrics, hybrids and conventional gasoline-fuelled powertrains with an assortment of transmissions and drive configurations. There also was, for the second consecutive year, a hydrogen fuel cell entry – a glimpse, perhaps, of the direction future vehicles will be heading.   ▲

Driving practices key to fuel-efficiency

This fleet of vehicles was entrusted to 27 drivers, all leading automotive journalists and AJAC members. They were challenged to drive as efficiently as possible over a two-day, eight-leg route from Toronto to Ottawa. The fuel consumed by each vehicle was recorded, with the results posted on the AJAC website (www.ajac.ca) for consumers to review. It’s worth noting that, without exception, every vehicle in the EcoRun surpassed its NRCan combined fuel economy rating. In fact, some were significantly more efficient. These results bolstered the message NRCan has been preaching for years – that Canadians can indeed reduce their fuel expenses by simply driving more efficiently.   For a look at each of the vehicles participating in the 2016 AJAC EcoRun, as well as their fuel consumption numbers, just check out the following pages. They’re shown in alphabetical order by manufacturer. ▲

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel - 7.1 L/100 km

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado’s powertrain lineup includes a new 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which General Motors says is the cleanest diesel truck engine it has ever produced. The all-wheel-drive truck participating in EcoRun was fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Its price as tested was $46,490. Its NRCan fuel consumption rating is 12.0L/100 km in city use, 8.2 on the highway and10.3 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 7.1 L/100. During my stint in the Colorado, I averaged 7.7 litres/100 km while coping with Toronto’s morning rush-hour traffic. ▲

2016 Chevrolet Cruze - 4.9 L/100 km 

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze participating in EcoRun was powered by a new 1.4-litre direct-injected four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an automatic stop/start feature to help improve its fuel efficiency. The engine automatically shuts down when the car comes to a stop under certain driving conditions, then restarts when the driver takes his/her foot off the brake. The transmission in this compact sedan, which lists at $26,485 as tested, was a CVT (continuously variable transmission.) NRCan rates the Cruze at 7.8 L/100 km city, 5.6 highway and 6.8 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 4.9. ▲

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - 4.4 L/100 km

The 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid, which listed at $37,715 as tested in EcoRun, was powered by a new direct-injection 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a two-motor electric drive unit, which provided additional power during acceleration. The Malibu Hybrid borrows components and technologies, such as its blended regenerative braking system, from its plug-in sibling, the Volt. This system recovers kinetic energy generated during braking and stores it in the battery system to help maintain its charge. NRCan rates this mid-size family sedan at 5.0 L/100 km city, 5.1 highway, 5.1 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 4.4. ▲

2016 Chevrolet Spark - 5.4 L/100 km

The 2016 Chevy Spark, which listed at $16,995 as tested in EcoRun, was powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder Ecotec engine mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission.) NRCan rates this subcompact front-wheel-drive sedan at 7.6 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, 6.7 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 5.4. ▲

2016 Chevrolet Volt

The 2016 Chevy Volt, named the AJAC Canadian Green Car of the Year, is an electric mid-size family sedan with a gasoline-fuelled 1.5-litre range-extending engine. This all-new Volt, which listed at $40,545 as tested in EcoRun, features a new, second-generation Voltec extended range propulsion system that has increased the car’s all-electric driving range to 85 kilometres, while delivering greater efficiency and stronger acceleration. NRCan rates the Volt’s fuel efficiency at 5.6 L/100 km combined. Its actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was unavailable. ▲

2016 Fiat 500 1957 Edition - 6.3 L/100 km

This 2016 Fiat 500 is a limited-production model to celebrate the original 1957 Nuova Cinquecento and is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch aluminum wheels finished in body colour – four classic hues are offered – as well as a special premium leather interior. This special 500 is powered by a 1.4-litre, naturally-aspirated MultiAir four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Its price, as tested in EcoRun, was $29,995. NRCan rates this subcompact front-wheel-drive sedan at 8.7 L/100 km city, 6.9 highway, 7.9 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 6.3. ▲

2016 Ford C-MAX Energi - 4.0 L/100 km

The 2016 Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid is powered by a next-generation, power-split technology that Ford says enables the car to run in electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine (running on the Atkinson cycle) combines with an electric motor to generate a combined total of 188 horsepower. The output is channeled through an eCVT hybrid power-split transaxle. The C-MAX Energi, which can be charged using either a standard 120-volt outlet or an available 240-volt charging station, features SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which enables the driver to monitor fuel economy readings. The MyFord Mobile app allows users to monitor charging, find charge stations, receive alerts and plan trips using their smartphones. NRCan rates this compact front-wheel-drive hatchback at 5.6 L/100 km city, 6.4 highway, 6.0 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 4.0. ▲

2016 Ford Focus 1.0 - 5.8 L/100 km

The 2016 Ford Focus participating in EcoRun was fitted with Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine mated to the available six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. This three-cylinder engine combines direct fuel injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing and turbocharging to generate 123 horsepower and a broad, flat torque curve that peaks at 125 lb-ft. NRCan rates this compact front-wheel-drive sedan at 8.5 L/100 km city, 5.9 highway, 7.3 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 5.8. ▲

2016 Honda Civic - 4.6 L/100 km

The 2016 Honda Civic sedan participating in EcoRun was the Touring edition and was equipped with Honda’s new 16-valve, double-overhead camshaft, 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder matched to a CVT (continuously variable transmission.) This is the tenth generation of Honda’s top-selling vehicle and it has been totally redesigned, from its all-new platform architecture to a new, sporty exterior design and sophisticated interior. NRCan rates this compact front-wheel-drive sedan at 7.6 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, 6.7 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 4.6. ▲

2016 Honda HR-V - 5.9 L/100 km

The Honda HR-V is a new entry-level crossover designed as a multi-dimensional vehicle that combines the exterior styling of a family sedan with the spaciousness and versatility of a utility vehicle. The HR-V participating in EcoRun was the mid-level EX trim with front-wheel-drive (pricing starts at $24,490.) It was powered by a 16-valve, single-overhead-camshaft, 1.8-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder with a CVT (continuously variable transmission.) NRCan rates the HR-V in this configuration at 8.3 L/100 km city, 6.7 highway, 7.6 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 5.9. ▲

2016 Hyundai Sonata - 3.8 L/100 km

The Sonata driven in EcoRun was the plug-in hybrid version of Hyundai’s popular mid-size family sedan lineup. It’s the first rechargeable hybrid offered by the Korean automaker and has an all-electric range of up to 43 kilometres with its 50-kilowatt electric motor. Notable is the fact this Sonata can operate even at highway speeds (100 km/h) in EV mode, provided sufficient charge is available. When the battery is depleted, a 2.0-litre GDI four-cylinder engine (running on the Atkinson cycle) kicks in. The transmission is unique for a hybrid – it’s a conventional six-speed automatic instead of the CVT typically used in other hybrids. As tested, the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid was priced at $43,999. The NRCan ratings for this mid-size family sedan are 6.1 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, 5.9 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 3.8. During a short shift in the Sonata from Belleville to Shannonville, I averaged 4.7 L/100 km. ▲

2016 Kia Optima LX ECO Turbo - 5.6 L/100 km

The all-new Optima LX ECO Turbo is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder with 16 valves, double overhead camshafts and dual continuously variable valve timing. This fuel-efficient engine delivers its output to the front wheels through a seven-speed automatic transaxle. As tested, the 2016 Optima LX ECO Turbo was priced at $27,495. The NRCan ratings for this mid-size family sedan are 8.4 L/100 km city, 6.1 highway, 7.4 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 5.6. ▲

2016 Lexus CT 200h - 4.6 L/100 km

The Lexus CT 200h is a hybrid luxury hatchback that combines a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a high-torque electric motor and high-power storage battery for a combined output of 134 horsepower, distributed to the front wheels by a CVT (continuously variable transmission.) Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system can be operated in four drive modes: normal, sport, eco and EV. The model used in EcoRun was a CT 200h with F Sport Series 2 trim package, priced as tested at $40,800. NRCan rates the CT 200h at 5.5 L/100 km city, 5.9 highway, 5.7 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 4.6. ▲

Lexus RX 450h - 7.1 L/100 km

2016 Lexus RX 450h The all-wheel-drive 2016 Lexus RX 450h mates the latest generation of the Lexus Hybrid Drive with a 3.5-litre, direct-injected V-6 gasoline engine with reshaped intake ports and combustion chambers to improve combustion, minimize emissions and enhance fuel efficiency. The hybrid front transaxle has a new water-to-oil cooler for improved motor/generator cooling performance at low speeds and a pre-loaded differential, while the rear transaxle combines an electric motor with a reduction drive featuring a new three-shaft configuration and aluminum case and cover to reduce weight. Packaging changes to the hybrid battery have resulted in a more compact design that improves space efficiency. The proactive AWD system engages the vehicle’s all-wheel drive capability only when necessary. It also allows the rear electric motor to act as a generator to charge the battery when the vehicle is in regenerative brake mode. The EcoRun test vehicle was a Lexus RX 450h with the Executive Package, with a list price of $75,400. NRCan rates this luxury crossover at 7.7 L/100 km city, 8.2 highway, 8.0 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 7.1. ▲

2016 Mazda CX-3 GT - 6.4 L/100 km

This new entry by Mazda in the compact crossover utility vehicle segment has already earned impressive accolades, including selection by AJAC as the 2016 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year and the Canadian Green Utility Vehicle of the Year. The CX-3 features Mazda’s highly efficient, naturally aspirated SKYACTIV technology – in this application it’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. Pricing for the GT-trimmed entry in EcoRun was $32,690 as tested. The NRCan ratings for this compact CUV are 8.8 L/100 km city, 7.3 highway, 8.1 combined, but the Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 6.4. My average was 6.6 L/100 km on the run from Cobourg to Belleville. ▲

2016 Mazda CX-9 - 7.8 L/100 km

The flagship utility vehicle in the Mazda lineup has been totally revamped and is just now arriving in dealers’ showrooms. The model entered in EcoRun was the newly added premium Signature trim level with iACTIV all-wheel drive ($52,295.) The powertrain in the new CX-9 features a 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder with direct injection and Mazda’s dynamic pressure turbocharging technology, which eliminates turbo drag and enhances low- to mid-range torque. This new approach to turbocharging results in a torque output of 310 lb-ft at just 2,000 rpm. The horsepower rating is 227 on regular-grade gasoline, or 250 on premium 93 octane. The only transmission offered is a six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic with a Sport mode. NRCan rates this seven-passenger crossover at 11.2 L/100 km city, 8.8 highway, 10.1 combined, although the Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 7.8. ▲

2016 Mazda MX-5 GS - 5.3 L/100 km

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 is the fourth generation of this fun-to-drive sports car. As part of the development of this latest iteration, Mazda engineers were able to trim more than 100 kilograms from its mass, compared to the previous model. Not only does the weight saving enhance its nimble driving dynamics, it also helps reduce fuel consumption. Power is supplied by a direct-injected 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder with 16 valves and double overhead camshafts. It produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 revs using premium-grade fuel. The engine in the EcoRun entry was coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, although a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and Drive Selection switch is available. This 1,058-kilogram, front-engine/rear-wheel-drive two-seater ($41,495 as tested) is rated by NRCan at 8.8 L/100 km city, 6.9 highway, 7.8 combined, but EcoRun drivers were able to record a combined consumption rate of 5.3. I averaged 5.6 L/100 km (despite some spirited driving) during the leg from Toronto to Oshawa. ▲

2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e - 7.3 L/100 km

2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e This EcoRun entry demonstrates fuel-efficient technology is available at all price points and segments in the automotive world. The S-Class Mercedes is the epitome of luxury, comfort, technology and dynamic performance – and this plug-in hybrid version, priced at $133,250 as tested in EcoRun, sacrifices none of those virtues while delivering impressive fuel efficiency. The S 550e combines a V-6 biturbo gasoline engine with an intelligent hybrid drive system to produce 436 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque – sufficient output to launch this full-size luxury sedan to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. Its 8.7 kWh, high-voltage, lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged by plugging the charging cable into a socket in the right side of the rear bumper. On electric power alone, the S 550e can cruise up to 33 kilometres. There are several innovative systems to increase fuel efficiency, one that looks ahead and, by synthesizing road information such as topography and speed limits, optimizes energy usage of the gas engine and electric motor. If the car is about to travel down a hill, for example, the system automatically prepares the electric motor to maximize power recovery. NRCan rates this luxurious rear-wheel-drive sedan at 10.0 L/100 km city, 7.8 highway, 9.0 combined. Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 7.3. ▲

2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 5.3 L/100 km

Nissan says its Altima has the best highway and combined fuel economy ratings in the mid-size family sedan class – 6.0 L/100 km on the highway and 7.5 combined (its city rating is 8.7.) Its impressive fuel economy is the result of a 10% improvement in aerodynamics, reduced internal engine friction and an optimized fuel pump. The Altima gets its driving power from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with double overhead cams that generates 182 horsepower. That output is delivered to the front wheels by a CVT (continuously variable transmission.) The SL-trimmed Altima entered in EcoRun was priced at $32,598. The actual average fuel consumption in combined city/highway driving during EcoRun was 5.3 L/100 km. ▲

2016 Nissan Leaf SL

The all-electric 2016 Nissan Leaf SL features a next-generation battery design that adds capacity without increasing the size of the battery package, thanks to improved structure of the laminated lithium-ion battery cells. This new 30-kWh battery is capable of powering the Leaf’s 80 kW motor for up to 172 kilometres on a full charge and have a Le/100 km rating of 1.9 in city use, 2.3 on the highway and 2.1 combined. The Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was unavailable. ▲

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera - 7.8 L/100 km

The 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera provides a peek into the future of exotic sports cars, demonstrating that the exciting performance one expects in such cars can still be realized while reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Porsche has managed to achieve this goal by developing from scratch a new, smaller displacement 3.0-litre flat-six engine that delivers tremendous acceleration even at low revs, but still has the high rpm limits typical of a sports car, thanks to its unique engine mapping. The 911 Carrera, priced at $109,735 as tested, combines impressive power output – 370 horsepower at 6,500 rpm; 331 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm – with surprisingly low fuel consumption – 11.8 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, 10.1 combined. I managed to have fun and still post a combined average of 7.5 L/100 on my drive from Kingston to Brockville. My EcoRun colleagues posted a combined average of 7.8 overall. ▲

2016 Smart fortwo - 4.1 L/100 km

The new Smart fortwo is powered by a state-of-the-art three-cylinder engine rated at 89 horsepower. It can be paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or a fully automatic twinamic dual-clutch transmission. The Smart fortwo is extremely nimble, making it ideal for negotiating tight urban spaces – it can turn from curb to curb in just 6.95 metres. The EcoRun entry was the cabriolet version with a canvas roof that could be opened at the touch of a button to either a sliding sunroof or dropped completely for the full, open-air experience. NRCan rates this two-seater at 7.5 L/100 km city, 6.1 highway and 6.9 combined, although the actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was an impressive 4.1 L/100 km. ▲

2016 Subaru Impreza - 6.1 L/100 km

The 2016 Impreza all-wheel-drive four-door compact sedan is powered by a 2.0-litre, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine with sequential multiport injection, 16 valves, dual overhead camshafts, electronic throttle control and dual active valve control. It generates 148 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 revs. That output is delivered to Subaru’s full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive system through a Lineatronic CVT (continuously variable transmission.) The Impreza participating in EcoRun was priced at $31,090, although the model lineup starts at 19,995. NRCan rates the Impreza sedan at 8.5 L/100 km city, 6.4 highway and 7.6 combined. The overall actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 6.1 L/100 km; I posted a 6.2 L/100 km average during my drive from Oshawa to Cobourg. ▲

2016 Toyota Mirai

One of the goals of the AJAC EcoRun is to showcase the latest fuel efficiency and emission-reducing technologies – and this year no entry fulfils that objective better than the Toyota Mirai. Although this four-door, mid-size sedan is not available in Canada yet (it is on sale in Japan, California and some European countries), it does provide a glimpse at what many consider to be the future of the automobile. This groundbreaking electric car is powered by a fuel cell stack that combines hydrogen gas, stored in two onboard tanks, with oxygen to produce the electricity that powers the electric motor. There is no large drive battery to recharge, no cords or cables to plug in, no lengthy stops to refresh the battery. The only consumable element is hydrogen gas and it takes three to five minutes to refill the tanks – comparable to filling a conventional car’s gasoline tank. With a full fuel charge, it can travel up to 480 kilometres. The sole emission is pure, clean water vapour. We’ll have a separate more-detailed look at the Mirai posted shortly, but I can tell you here the car drove like a typical mid-size family sedan – except it was oh so quiet. During my drive from Belleville to Kingston, I consumed hydrogen at the rate of 0.7 kilograms/100 km from the twin tanks that have a capacity to hold five kilograms of hydrogen gas. ▲

Toyota Prius - 3.2 L/100 km

2016 Toyota Prius The all-new Toyota Prius is the fourth generation of the car that sparked the gasoline-hybrid revolution when it was introduced to the world in 1997. This iteration, built on a new global architecture platform that delivers improved driving dynamics, is sleeker and more sporty. The new Prius retains its 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, but it has been completely re-engineered to improve performance and fuel economy. It now achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 40% - the world's highest level in a mass-produced gasoline engine. Key components of the hybrid system are now smaller and lighter. The CVT transaxle, for example, has a more compact design and achieves approximately 20% loss reduction compared to the current Prius. The two all-new motor-generators bosts higher output density, while improvements to the power control unit have resulted in a 20% reduction in electrical losses. The price as tested during EcoRun was listed as $33,807.  NRCan rates the Prius hybrid at 4.4 L/100 km city, 4.6 highway and 4.5 combined. The overall Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was 3.2 L/100 km. ▲

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - 5.7 L/100 km

There are no apparent compromises with all-new RAV4 Hybrid. In fact, its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system delivers more power than its gasoline-powered sibling, while achieving superior fuel efficiency. Its 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, with dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves and variable valve timing with intelligence combine with the hybrid system’s electric motor to generate 194 horsepower – the conventionally powered RAV4 cranks out 176 horses. Power is channeled through an electronically controlled CVT and distributed to an electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive system with intelligence. The HSD system enables the driver to choose between EV, Eco or Sport modes. The RAV4 Hybrid, as tested at EcoRun, was listed at $42,801.97. NRCan rates the RAV4 Hybrid at 6.9 L/100 km city, 7.6 highway and 7.2 combined. However, the overall Actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was just 5.7 L/100 km. ▲

2016 Volvo XC90 T8 - 5.9 L/100 km

The luxurious Volvo XC90 SUV has been making a huge impression since it hit the streets last year, including earning recognition as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. In true Volvo tradition, it’s loaded with safety features, as well as all the amenities one would expect in an SUV that’s listed at $89,625 (as tested at EcoRun.) The hybrid version of the XC90 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that’s both supercharged and turbocharged. It churns out 313 horsepower, while the electric motor kicks in another 87 horses. That power, which is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission, can launch this seven-passenger SUV to 100 km/h in just5.6 seconds, yet it’s still capable of delivering impressive fuel efficiency. NRCan rates the XC90 hybrid at 10.1 L/100 km city, 8.8 highway and 9.5 combined. However, the overall actual fuel consumption during EcoRun was just 5.9 L/100 km. ▲

Your fuel economy may differ

There is no question that the journalists who took part in EcoRun were paying more attention to fuel-efficient driving practices than most drivers are likely to do in their normal everyday driving. So the impressive fuel-consumption numbers they achieved are likely better than most people can expect to experience themselves. It should also be noted that the numbers reported here are not necessarily comparable between vehicles as not all were driven by the same drivers. under the same conditions. Still, they demonstrate what is achievable by the vehicles involved in real-world driving conditions and how effective today's technologies can be in reducing fuel use. ▲
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