2005 Pontiac Wave: New Fuel Economy Record

[NorthernAveo]

Just got back from a long road haul with the Potiac Wave which is a Canadian second version of the Chev Aveo.

2005 Wave Hatchback
52000kms
Synthetic 0w30
Shell V-Power Premium Fuel

Over 622kms - Two 311km trips.

Avg each way: 34.7MPG

Even though I thought theat premium didn't make a difference, it definitely does with this car.

City economy jumped 2.7MPG with premium as well.

Testing done over 1 year.

[dmeech]

Is that 34.7MPG in US or Imperial measurment? Becuase I have been able to pull off my own record of 42MPG Imperial, which Works out to about 35MPG US.
Ive been meaning too make a few Aero mods like a grill blocker but didnt have the patience to during the winter since it was too damn cold to go out and get proper fitment. A few of my friends and I had an ongoing MPG Competition during January to see hwo could get the best numbers. It was often a battle between my Wave and my friend with an 05 Mazda Protegé. Though once he went all out and taped off all the seams on the front end, he ran off with it.

[NorthernAveo]

I always use US gallons.

But for going 60-75mph avg, that is some decent economy.

The premium fuel does the trick with this car.

[dmeech]

I tend to stick with regular(87/89octance depending on the station) grade. However, I seldom stepup to 92octane, but havent really noticed any improvement in economy or anything else. I know opinions are split on the benefits of running higher octane on the average engine, so I just go with what has a lesser effect on my pocket.

[MetroMPG]

FYI, in Ontario at least, premium gasoline is ethanol-free (according to several companies I've personally asked, including PetroCan, Canadian Tire, Shell and Ultramar).

Regular blends have up to 10% ethanol by law.

Ethanol has less energy content by volume than gasoline, so there would be a slight MPG advantage from using premium, all else being equal.

EDIT: oh, and if the Aveo/Wave engine has a knock sensor (I don't know if it does), then there could be further gains from the higher octane in the premium fuels, since you could upshift sooner (run higher loads at lower RPM), and the ECU could run more advanced spark timing all the time.

[NorthernAveo]

Yes, all OBDII engines have a knock sensor.

And thanks for pointing out that premium doesn't have ethanol in it. I totoally forgot it.

Even my city economy went up with premium.

I just wanted the cleanest fuel possible for the short trips this car does most of the time with the wife going to and from work.

[one_man_jam]

very nice. the best mpg i ever did was super close to 40. like 39. something. i usually get around 32 to 35 around the city and 36 to 38 on the highway though

[NorthernAveo]

very nice. the best mpg i ever did was super close to 40. like 39. something. i usually get around 32 to 35 around the city and 36 to 38 on the highway though

I don't think an Aveo is ever capable of 35mpg in the city. More like 20-25 is you are lucky.

You might want to check your calculations. They seem way off the mark.

[MetroMPG]

Yes, all OBDII engines have a knock sensor.

Not the Suzuki 3-banger in my car (1998 OBD-II)! Apparently only the turbo version of my engine came equipped (and the turbo motor was pre-OBD-II).

[ontarian_frog]

Yes, all OBDII engines have a knock sensor.

Not the Suzuki 3-banger in my car (1998 OBD-II)! Apparently only the turbo version of my engine came equipped (and the turbo motor was pre-OBD-II).

Yes the Aveo has a knock sensor... with a 9.5:1 compression ratio and no variable valve timing, it's a must.