Global Green Challenge daily results

[Swordsman88]

Originally Posted by ea90gl

Why base the test on how much better the cars real economy figures are than ADR figures? Logic assumes the winner should be the car that uses the least fuel, or maybe even a simple calculation based on power/displacement to fuel used ratio. so imagine if Maloo wins, this thing will be marketed to death giving the false impression it used the less fuel since majority of people probably think that is what determines the winner.

That is a bit of a tough one. On the one hand it is as much a win for the drivers/team support. These guys are trundling along at 70km/h average speed in 40 degree heat with the aircon off and window up. So if you beat your ADR number by the most you probably worked pretty hard. Of course manufacturers put cars on the test that they know will work well (and those that have unsuitable cars (toyota) avoid it). The XR6T is on that test largely in an attempt to do just that.

But there is a catch. HSV have put a maloo on the test to win it based on biggest % improvement. But who on earth buys a maloo to save fuel? Its a pointless bit of marketing because it wont' get them any sales. HSV admitted itself that it was pushing ahead with LPG V8s even though the dealers say the customers don't wan it. Its about having a green image...so people can tell their concerned friends that while they bought their V8 it can be quite frugal. Of course that is a pointless statement since everyone knows driving a car in its ideal situation (wich for a v8 large car is at constant throttle on a highway) always makes it look good. The XR6T is at least driven by alot of non-performance fans (so not sure why their bought it anyway) so it is helpful for Ford to show its great real world economy.

Either way the Fiesta econetic is going well so in terms of overall fuel burn it is going to win most likely. Which WILL BE USEFUL when marketing it as the lowest fuel burnign car in australia (particuarly against the mini which is its nearest rival and is currently burning more....)