4x4 Defence - Ken Livingstone etc should note

[Cumbrian]

Seen the Sunday Times Driving section today? A very sensible article comparing 4x4's with 'super minis' and asking which is the gas guzzler?

Example: BMW X3 2.0d 39.2 mpg, carbon dioxide emissions 191g/km, against
MIni Cooper S 32.8 mpg, and 207g/km.

Also debunks the idea that all 4x4s hvae huge footprint on road. It shows the footprint of BMW 7 series and within it a smaller footprint of Landcruiser(5dr), X5, CR-V and X-Trail.

Article states that the arguments may be strong but facts aren't as clear.

A reasoned article at last, but unfortunately it hasn't made the web pages of the ST Driving section yet.

I scanned tables but couldn't figure out how to attach to this post, sorry!

[Guest]

How about top gear last night.

Clarkson did a run into london from home and returned 45mpg in a Toyota Prius (the hybrid electric car).

Did the same run in a VW Lupo Diesel and deturned 75mpg.

Nothing to do with 4x4s I know but just shows that people jump on a bandwaggon they believe in and have difficulty in budging on it even if they are proved wrong.

Cheers

[da SLUG man]

yeah, but the mini has a supercharger and does 140mph....

[Sparky]

the best mpg stats. for veihcles is calculated from test conditions on a designed circuit,so there isn't a car out there that can match them.
a Matiz isn't that good when it gets it's ass kicked at 85mph on the m/way.It's horses for corses,wrong car for the job and you will waist fuel.
what about clarksons boosted evoVIII 4 mpg it shouldn't even be on the market with those stats.

[Guest]

the best mpg stats. for veihcles is calculated from test conditions on a designed circuit,so there isn't a car out there that can match them.
a Matiz isn't that good when it gets it's ass kicked at 85mph on the m/way.It's horses for corses,wrong car for the job and you will waist fuel.
what about clarksons boosted evoVIII 4 mpg it shouldn't even be on the market with those stats.

Mind you that was only when you really nail it, probably quite good if you just drice it normally.

Mind you it shouldn't be on the market with that awful turbo lag - Beaten by a Fiat estate car - how embarrasing.