Went to EricBecky's hybrid gathering in Middleton, WI today, with Xcel riding shotgun in the HAH.
For those of you discouraged about your observed mileage with this car, or doubtful that it can achieve the stated mileage, or, even worse, taking flack from naysayers about EPA vs. actual mpg; take a look at the picture I snapped, here (Xcel has a pic of his trip odo mileage on the 140mi return trip, and he'll probably post that when he signs on next).
I got 37.9mpg on the way up against a 20mph headwind, at varying speed due to draft attempts w/ trucks, and Xcel got a high on the way back of 45.8mpg (he finished with 45.4, due to attempting to draft the two eligble trucks he saw - but were moving way too fast to be helpful). The two combined served to form the basis for the data displayed in the picture. (41.7mpg / 279mi / avg speed 58.0 miles per hour)
Tires were inflated to 44psi (from 32); ride quality suffered somewhat, but was plenty tolerable for interstate driving.
Gas was obtained in Gurnee, IL (ie; winter blend oxygenated junk, so no help there).
Ambient temp was approx 43-48F on the way up, and 53-58F on the return trip.
Xcel also strongly believes, per his observations, that 50 or even 60 mpg highway
is obtainable with this car under the right temps / gas / conditions (without having to drive 20mph under the limit, btw). I'm not so sure about those heady figures, but I'm also learning not to doubt his estimates, given his experience. He predicted > 44mpg for this trip, and exceeded it on his half, for example.