www.miniusa.com now reports that the MCS gets 26/34 as opposed to the advertised 29/36 previously. I know nothing has changed about the car, so it begs the question, why the change? Stricter standards? Seems like from what I've read people are getting as good as 40mpg on the highway with the MCS, right?

 

The EPA changed their testing methods (rate of acceleration, etc.) for 08 in an attempt to arrive at mpg estimates closer to what people are actually seeing in real life.

 

They changed the testing criteria. Faster speeds and more "normal" driving conditions. So the estimates dropped. This should be across the board for all cars that seemingly did not change over the last 2 years.

 

its funny because most people report better MPG ratings than even the original numbers and now they lowered it.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the new EPA rating. You'll still have no problem getting the old figures if you drive conservatively.

 

Not me...

 

I can beat even the old EPA estimates if I work at it, but it's not nearly as much fun as just driving it.

 

I bought the S, if i was that worried i would have gotten the MC

 

I drove to work going 55 all the way to remember what it was like....Oh the agony.
Much better gas mileage though

 

The real feat would be who can get the lowest MPG off the track with a full tank of 91 or higher Octane gas without getting pulled over by a cop.

 

how ironic is it that i posted a blog entry about this just last night?! of course, it would be pretty self-serving to point you only to my blog entry, (hint, hint) when the real data information junkies seek is at fueleconomy.gov. (don't even get me started on how a gas pump works!)

 

Not worried in the slightest, because I know the car hasn't changed..was just wondering what the EPA changes were about. Now I know.

I also have no plans to drive the car conservatively.

 

When I bought my 2003 Focus, it was rated at 25/32. I consistently got 32 MPG under the following conditions:

1. I drove alone to work
2. I drove rather conservatively (Never revved above 3000).
3. It was yellow (OK so that didn't help the mileage)

What I found on the focus is that regular oil changes, boring driving and keeping the tires proper and the car light, I was able to get the best MPG. I should be able to get close to 40 in my MC but I love the sport button so much that it might be a while before I realize that goal. What I found works well on my MC is that when I get to highway speed, I put it into manual mode and push her into 6th. She stays there unless a hill comes up or I need to pass someone.

 

That's cos you own an R53