If you look under the number 17 on the MPG right on the sticker, there is small print, stating that normal drivers are averaging 14-20mpg in the city.
And if you look under the 25mpg for hwy, it states an normal average 20 - 30 mpg..

So you can more MPG out of it, conservatively.
A reflash can help and probably an ECU tune.

 

If that doesn't void your warranty

 

As far as MPG goes, the government recently changed the terms for estimating the MPG, so pretty much all 2009 models are now showing up to 5 MPG less than previous models, even for some identical cars. So keep that in mind. I think the new RA suffers in MPG largely because of its weight, but on the highway it can probably easily achieve 28 @ 65-70 mph.

 

I found the article that explains how 2008 and later car models are tested. The changes are quite significant, probably resulting in 10-20% difference ! Things like AC are now used, while in the past they were not

* Higher speeds - up to 80 MPH on the highway cycle
* Colder temperatures - tests will now start at 20 degrees Fahrenheit rather than 75
* More rapid acceleration
* Use of accessories - the air conditioner will be operated 13% of the time

source:
http://cars.about.com/od/fueleconomy...pg_testing.htm

 

Who the hell buys a performance car..or a cross performance car and worry about gad mileage!>? i dont get it...

 

Somebody in touch with reality?

 

Keep in mind that these are economy cars. Not Porsche and Lambo. They are daily drivers. No one wants a car that is getting 15 MPG as a daily driver unless you have no other obligations in life and you live at home with mom. It is just a waste of money.

 

You can't seriously expect to buy a quick turbo AWD sedan and get decent MPG. Just look at Subaru's lineup. Even their NA cars only get 20/26. At this point in time, you're not going to find a fast yet economical car. At least not until the more lightweight cars start rolling out with better engine designs.

 

Yeah, Hibby
I agree.
When i bought the CSRT4 i was thinking still the MPG on the car.
The CSRT4 gets 22/29 city/highway and it's a turbo@285hp. I drive it hard and still get at least 19-20 in the city.
R/A should be getting at least 19.
The Lancer gets 25/34 city/highway and my supercharged Scion get the same as the R/A with a small difference.

The R/A,GSR and MR gets 17-19/24-27 city/highway. Why buy a R/A if your gas consciouss and can get a GSR or MR that does the same?

 

Ever heard of the Cobalt SS?

 

Not that I especially like the Ralliart's fuel economy numbers, but...

FWD

FWD, FWD

FWD

 

If MPG is high on your list of priorities you should stick with N/A engines only as I've never owned a turbocharged car that got decent gas mileage.

 

WRX gets low 20's city and up to 30 hwy.

My priorities are for a fun car that is still economical. If MPG is no issue, I may as well get some real power and get a G8, Camaro, Challenger. Not on a 4 cyl turbo econo car.

 

WRX won't get those numbers unless you drive it like a Civic. So why not just get a Civic? Go to NASIOC and you won't see anyone there claiming decent gas mileage.

 

I average between 24 MPG and 30 MPG and I don't drive like a grandma, I just drive smart. At the track this plummets to 7 MPG.