Automakers have made a lot of progress in extending gas mileage during the past decade, with average fuel economy increasing by nearly five miles per gallon across the entire industry. According to the EPA's Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends report for the 2013 model year, the vehicles on the market were the most efficient ever, and for the second year in a row, Mazda led the charge.
While average vehicle fuel economy jumped by 0.5 mpg for the 2013 model year to 24.1 mpg, Mazda came in with an industry-leading fleet-wide average of 28.1 mpg, an increase of a full mile per gallon compared to the 2012 model year. The Japanese brand's lineup also had the lowest CO2 emissions of any automaker. For the 2013 model year, Mazda boosted its fuel economy with the debut of the Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, which was the automaker's first vehicle to feature a full suite of fuel-saving SKYACTIV technologies.
"The Mazda CX-5 remains the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market during highway driving, and that even includes hybrids," said Paul Cassiani, general manager of Rosen Mazda Lake Villa, an Illinois Mazda dealer. "As impressive as Mazda's fuel economy was for the 2013 model year, we expect it to improve significantly in next year's EPA report because the Mazda3 and Mazda6 were also outfitted with a full complement of SKYACTIV technologies for the 2014 model year."
Encompassing the engine, transmission, body and chassis, SKYACTIV technologies help the 2015 Mazda CX-5 return up to 35 mpg on the highway, while the 2015 Mazda6 midsize sedan nets up to 40 mpg on the highway. The SKYACTIV-equipped 2015 Mazda3 compact car also achieves up to 40 mpg on the highway in hatchback form, while sedan models are rated at up to 41 mpg on the highway. Even Mazda's sportiest vehicle, the MX-5 Miata roadster, is expected to receive a complete set of SKYACTIV technologies when the next-generation 2016 model goes on sale in the middle of next year.
About Rosen Mazda Lake Villa:
Rosen Mazda Lake Villa provides Chicagoland Mazda shoppers with a wide selection of popular new and used Mazda vehicles, from the Mazda3 and Mazda6 to the Mazda CX-5 and CX-9. Conveniently located for Chicago and Milwaukee commuters, Rosen Mazda Lake Villa employs a committed staff of Mazda experts to help customers find the perfect car or crossover SUV for their lifestyles, and the dealership's service department is second to none. Visit their showroom at 855 East Grand Ave. in Lake Villa, Ill., call them at 847-461-9967 or browse their online inventory at www.rosenmazdalv.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RosenMazdaLakeVilla.