Ive read a lot here on this forum regarding MPG. It is a topic that I have become more and more interested in investigating the more I drive the 2. Ive read many posts from forum members bragging about the fantastic mileage they recorded on their most recent road trips. A few members have recorded as high as 43 MPG, while some have seen 40 MPG, and others 38 MPG. What? Really? Unlike many of the members here I have been unable to obtain remarkable or even presumed MPG results regardless of the type of driving or distance driven. To add insult to injury, the highway mileage has been especially brutal. In fact, in my overall MPG experience has been disappointing.
Please understand I drive with an incredibly light foot when Im cruising, driving to work, or running errands. I always have under those circumstances. My Mazda 2 Sport Manual is my daily driver so it benefits from my best driving behavior. Ive owned lots and lots of cars over the years and throughout those years I have been able to record the advertised or better than advertised MPG in all but two of those cars. The two offenders are my two most recent additions; my 2013 Ford Mustang GT and my 2014 Mazda 2.
Ironically, it took an aftermarket performance tune and supporting modifications to cure my Mustangs foul mileage. Im now averaging 24 MPG which is up from 19 MPG mixed city/highway. Not bad for 470HP. But, really, who cares? I didnt buy a 5.0 Mustang for MPG, nobody does.
However, I do care about the 2s MPG. As my daily driver, thats what I bought it for. And, with a 1.5L engine producing a meager 100HP and weighing only 2306 lbs. exceptional MPG is a requirement and should be expected. Right?
The EPA estimated fuel economy for a manual equipped Mazda 2 is 29/35 MPG city/highway. Ive been averaging 33 MPG mixed city/highway. Some might say that isnt bad. Perhaps even within the expected results but, like I said, I drive with a light foot, I expected a better. On the highway I average 29 MPG. 29 MPG! Preposterous! Whats with the 35 MPG highway EPA estimate again? Yep, still waiting for the answer on that one.
After reading more on the subject I soon realized that the 2 doesnt possess sufficient aerodynamics and power to aid its highway mileage when traveling at highway speeds, or the highway speeds I am comfortable with. The Mazda 2 has a 0.31 coefficient of drag which isnt too bad, honestly. But, are you ready for this? The 2s CD is actually worse than my old 1996 Lexus LS400 which boasted a 0.28 coefficient of drag. Basically in simple terms, the 2 lacks the balls and aerodynamics to be efficient at speeds I travel on the highway. Damn.
As mentioned previously I dont drive the speed limit on the highway. I go a little faster. That said, out of pure curiosity in an attempt to achieve the best possible MPG I decided to painfully drive the speed limit on the highway and drove even more gingerly on the street than I normally do keeping RPMs below 3,000. This technique resulted in a best of 38 MPG mixed 90% city and 10% highway. Was it worth it? No. To achieve this I literally pissed off every motorist that was unluckily stuck behind me waiting for my snail-like acceleration endeavors to end and finally reach a reasonable cruising speed. Man, it was agonizing. I prefer to accelerate at a normal pace and maintain speed according to traffic conditions and not be an obstruction (aka early Prius drivers) to other motorists. Driving in this fashion is uncomfortable and regardless of the results, I wont be doing it again.
Considering all this; my biggest disappointment with the 2s MPG is the driving range. I couldnt even make it to Las Vegas from LA on one tank. Honestly, had I known the range would be less than 320 miles traveling at constant highway speeds, I wouldnt have purchased the car. I would have bought something different. But, alas, I did purchase the 2. What to do?
My secret The Cork Sport Short Ram Intake.
Modifying cars is in my blood. It was handed down from father to son. Ive modified all of my cars for one reason or another. So keeping with tradition I bought the Cork Sport Short Ram Intake with additional cooling duct for the 2. I figured it will be satisfying to pick up a horsepower or two, alter the engine sound, and perhaps, just maybe, increase the MPG.
Well, Im not sure about the horsepower, but the CS Short Ram Intake sounds the business. The intake truly sounds amazing. The new aggressive growl makes me smile and causes surrounding motorists to posture with displeasure. I love it! The package is definitely worth the price of admission. However, the most shocking revelation caused by the CS Intake was the MPG improvement.
In over 5,000 miles with the CS Intake and cooling duct installed, driving normally, Im now averaging 40 MPG mixed city/highway. No joke. Seriously, Im not kidding. Get this, Im recording 36 MPG traveling at a constant 70+ MPH on the highway which was previously unachievable. I have even managed to record a best of 42 MPG combined and a range of 380 miles. My last tank was 41 MPG mixed city/highway.
I dont know what the magic is. I really dont. Or, do I?
It doesnt take a genius to surmise that the factory Mazda2 intake isnt the most efficient setup possible. I mean, look at it! Air travels through the front inlet into flat pancaked intake piping with several 90 degree bends which then lead to the shocking engine-cooking heat-absorbing air box that actually sits inside an oven - I mean literally on top of the engine. And, it only gets better. The scorching air then passes through the ECU and a couple more 90 degree turns before entering the throttle body. A journey through hell, apparently!?! Hey, at least the Mazda engineers were creative!
Conversely, the CS Short Ram intake attaches directly to the throttle body by way of a CNC machined MAF housing, silicone sleeve, and a proper performance air filter bypassing all the ridiculous factory plumbing. It is by definition, a short ram intake. The optional CS cold air duct insures that the CS Short Ram intake consumes the coolest air possible and attaches smartly to the factory inlet location.
Unquestionably the CS intake is better designed and more efficient than the factory box. And considering the design differences it should come as no surprise that the CS intake improved MPG. However, the surprise is how much the CS intake improved MPG.
I dont know if my results are repeatable for other forum members but, the CS Intake has performed exceptionally well for me and my driving style. Im really happy with the aggressive sound, but Im especially happy with the MPG improvement.
I am hoping that this wont be my last post on the subject of improving MPG. I recently purchased and will be installing the Hot Pipes Header. Im hoping that the addition of the Header with or without a performance tune, will further increase MPG. Well see. Only time will tell.
Anyway folks, I just wanted to share my thoughts, results, and perhaps see if anybody else has had similar success.
Mike
Please understand I drive with an incredibly light foot when Im cruising, driving to work, or running errands. I always have under those circumstances. My Mazda 2 Sport Manual is my daily driver so it benefits from my best driving behavior. Ive owned lots and lots of cars over the years and throughout those years I have been able to record the advertised or better than advertised MPG in all but two of those cars. The two offenders are my two most recent additions; my 2013 Ford Mustang GT and my 2014 Mazda 2.
Ironically, it took an aftermarket performance tune and supporting modifications to cure my Mustangs foul mileage. Im now averaging 24 MPG which is up from 19 MPG mixed city/highway. Not bad for 470HP. But, really, who cares? I didnt buy a 5.0 Mustang for MPG, nobody does.
However, I do care about the 2s MPG. As my daily driver, thats what I bought it for. And, with a 1.5L engine producing a meager 100HP and weighing only 2306 lbs. exceptional MPG is a requirement and should be expected. Right?
The EPA estimated fuel economy for a manual equipped Mazda 2 is 29/35 MPG city/highway. Ive been averaging 33 MPG mixed city/highway. Some might say that isnt bad. Perhaps even within the expected results but, like I said, I drive with a light foot, I expected a better. On the highway I average 29 MPG. 29 MPG! Preposterous! Whats with the 35 MPG highway EPA estimate again? Yep, still waiting for the answer on that one.
After reading more on the subject I soon realized that the 2 doesnt possess sufficient aerodynamics and power to aid its highway mileage when traveling at highway speeds, or the highway speeds I am comfortable with. The Mazda 2 has a 0.31 coefficient of drag which isnt too bad, honestly. But, are you ready for this? The 2s CD is actually worse than my old 1996 Lexus LS400 which boasted a 0.28 coefficient of drag. Basically in simple terms, the 2 lacks the balls and aerodynamics to be efficient at speeds I travel on the highway. Damn.
As mentioned previously I dont drive the speed limit on the highway. I go a little faster. That said, out of pure curiosity in an attempt to achieve the best possible MPG I decided to painfully drive the speed limit on the highway and drove even more gingerly on the street than I normally do keeping RPMs below 3,000. This technique resulted in a best of 38 MPG mixed 90% city and 10% highway. Was it worth it? No. To achieve this I literally pissed off every motorist that was unluckily stuck behind me waiting for my snail-like acceleration endeavors to end and finally reach a reasonable cruising speed. Man, it was agonizing. I prefer to accelerate at a normal pace and maintain speed according to traffic conditions and not be an obstruction (aka early Prius drivers) to other motorists. Driving in this fashion is uncomfortable and regardless of the results, I wont be doing it again.
Considering all this; my biggest disappointment with the 2s MPG is the driving range. I couldnt even make it to Las Vegas from LA on one tank. Honestly, had I known the range would be less than 320 miles traveling at constant highway speeds, I wouldnt have purchased the car. I would have bought something different. But, alas, I did purchase the 2. What to do?
My secret The Cork Sport Short Ram Intake.
Modifying cars is in my blood. It was handed down from father to son. Ive modified all of my cars for one reason or another. So keeping with tradition I bought the Cork Sport Short Ram Intake with additional cooling duct for the 2. I figured it will be satisfying to pick up a horsepower or two, alter the engine sound, and perhaps, just maybe, increase the MPG.
Well, Im not sure about the horsepower, but the CS Short Ram Intake sounds the business. The intake truly sounds amazing. The new aggressive growl makes me smile and causes surrounding motorists to posture with displeasure. I love it! The package is definitely worth the price of admission. However, the most shocking revelation caused by the CS Intake was the MPG improvement.
In over 5,000 miles with the CS Intake and cooling duct installed, driving normally, Im now averaging 40 MPG mixed city/highway. No joke. Seriously, Im not kidding. Get this, Im recording 36 MPG traveling at a constant 70+ MPH on the highway which was previously unachievable. I have even managed to record a best of 42 MPG combined and a range of 380 miles. My last tank was 41 MPG mixed city/highway.
I dont know what the magic is. I really dont. Or, do I?
It doesnt take a genius to surmise that the factory Mazda2 intake isnt the most efficient setup possible. I mean, look at it! Air travels through the front inlet into flat pancaked intake piping with several 90 degree bends which then lead to the shocking engine-cooking heat-absorbing air box that actually sits inside an oven - I mean literally on top of the engine. And, it only gets better. The scorching air then passes through the ECU and a couple more 90 degree turns before entering the throttle body. A journey through hell, apparently!?! Hey, at least the Mazda engineers were creative!
Conversely, the CS Short Ram intake attaches directly to the throttle body by way of a CNC machined MAF housing, silicone sleeve, and a proper performance air filter bypassing all the ridiculous factory plumbing. It is by definition, a short ram intake. The optional CS cold air duct insures that the CS Short Ram intake consumes the coolest air possible and attaches smartly to the factory inlet location.
Unquestionably the CS intake is better designed and more efficient than the factory box. And considering the design differences it should come as no surprise that the CS intake improved MPG. However, the surprise is how much the CS intake improved MPG.
I dont know if my results are repeatable for other forum members but, the CS Intake has performed exceptionally well for me and my driving style. Im really happy with the aggressive sound, but Im especially happy with the MPG improvement.
I am hoping that this wont be my last post on the subject of improving MPG. I recently purchased and will be installing the Hot Pipes Header. Im hoping that the addition of the Header with or without a performance tune, will further increase MPG. Well see. Only time will tell.
Anyway folks, I just wanted to share my thoughts, results, and perhaps see if anybody else has had similar success.
Mike
