XCEL, is the 33 mpg city with the auto trans;if so it isn't too bad.I was a bit surprised at the 38 HY-that isn't too good for such a small car.The Civic auto is rated at 40,I assumed that the smaller Fit would get maybe 44 or so.The over gearing must be responsible for the kinda poor HY mpg.How many RPMs does it turn at 60 mph in 5th?I would guess 2800??
Our primitive 1985 manual trans Corolla(60 hp) got an honest 42mpg at 70 mph with a carb and primitive electronic ignition.It was probably lighter-2100 lbs-,but the same frontal area,and I doubt it had a lower CD.
Maybe the Fit will be a pleasant surprise and perform better than its EPA city numbers.The 2006 Civic got just 18 mpg in CR's city loop(about what the Focus got);I remember that the 2003-4,5 Civic got 22 mpg on CR's city loop-big surprise!!!.The 2006 Civic beat the Accord by just 2mpg city in CR's loop despite being EPAed 6 mpg better..The Corolla beats the Civic in CR loop now 18 vs 20??Maybe they did the testing in very cold weather??
Shame it doesn't have better hy numbers.Thanks.Charlie
PS Honda might get very lucky and catch oil at another peak with the Iran saber rattling that is currently costing us at least another $4/barrel.