Auto engineers have developed many different technologies in the last decade to reduce your car’s fuel consumption.

With the plethora of advances made in the last few years or so, there is now a befuddling amount of technology that you can find in even some inexpensive compact cars.

In this article, we’ll be taking a brief look at the major systems offered today.

Hybrid technology

Micro hybrid – Up to 5% savings in fuel consumption

Better known as a start-stop system, a micro hybrid system can provide for a 5% efficiency bump. This system automatically stops the internal combustion engine to reduce idling time at red lights, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

In most vehicles equipped with a start-stop system, an enhanced starter and deep cycle battery is fitted so as to be able to withstand the increased numbers of engine starts. Other setups include an enhanced combined starter-alternator design.

Advantages include low cost, low complexity, and no interior cabin sacrifices in space.

Examples: Found on all hybrid vehicles as well as all current model BMWs, Porsches, Jaguars, Land Rovers, most Audis, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and some GM vehicles.

Mild hybrid – up to 15% savings in fuel consumption

A mild hybrid vehicle that cannot drive on the electric motor alone (i.e. there is no pure electric vehicle mode). It uses a smaller electric motor and battery combination and therefore always needs the internal combustion engine working in tandem. The electric motor is there to assist the gasoline engine in propelling the vehicle.

The advantages are lower cost and smaller packaging than a full hybrid system.

Examples: Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) in the CR-Z and Insight, General Motor’s eAssist system (e.g. on the Buick Regal)

Full hybrid – Up to 30% improvement in fuel economy

A hybrid vehicle with the ability to propel the vehicle solely on the electric motor alone without the assistance of the internal combustion engine.  However due to limited battery capacity a full hybrid is generally only able to do so under certain low load conditions such as light acceleration, light cruising, or in stop and go traffics at low speed.

The internal combustion engine will be summoned to step in to provide full acceleration as soon as those conditions are exceeded.

Advantages include significantly reduced fuel consumption, particularly in the city as the electric motor will do most of the work in stop-and-go traffic at low speeds.

Examples: Various Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles, Honda Accord Hybrid, BMW hybrid vehicles, Ford hybrid vehicles, some General Motors hybrids, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Full plug-in hybrid – Up to 90% improvement in fuel economy (provided EV mode is mostly used)

Essentially a full hybrid vehicle with the ability to plug into a wall outlet or specialized high voltage quick charger to top up the on-board battery.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles tend to have bigger battery packs and higher output motors than their non plug-in versions. They are usually able to run the vehicle in Electric-only mode for much longer durations and even up to highway speeds.

These vehicles are designed to handle commuter-type range (20-100 kms) and conceivably can be driven in pure EV mode for extended periods without the internal combustion engine ever firing up at all as long as the battery pack isn’t drained and certain other conditions are met.

Examples: Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, Ford C-MAX and Fusion Plug-in hybrids, Chevrolet Volt

Two Mode Hybrid

Essentially a full hybrid vehicle that can operate in two modes. Firstly like a regular full hybrid, and secondly as a variable system where the internal combustion engine and electric motors work in tandem and vary their power outputs depending on specific driving conditions.

Two mode hybrids were developed out of an engineering partnership among GM, Chrysler, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

Alternative technologies

Mazda’s i-ELOOP – Up to 10% improvement in fuel economy

Derived from “Intelligent Energy Loop”, i-ELOOP is Mazda’s in-house developed capacitor-based regenerative braking system. It aims to improve fuel economy in totally unobtrusive and less expensive ways.

The system converts kinetic energy and stores it in a capacitor to power all of the electrical systems in the vehicle. This system is less complex (and therefore smaller, lighter and less expensive) than a traditional hybrid and avoids the need for a  dedicated electric motor and battery.

Mazda also claims that the capacitors also have the ability to charge and discharge rapidly and are resistant to deterioration despite prolonged use.

i-ELOOP is expected to improve overall fuel economy by up to 10%, but like the hybrid systems is dependent on road conditions and driving habits.

This system is currently fitted to the 2014 Mazda6 and 2014 Mazda3.

Porsche Brake Energy Recouperation System

Porsche’s Brake Energy regeneration system incorporates a smart alternator that switches off when the car is accelerating or cruising to reduce the parasitic load on the engine.

The alternator only charges the battery when the car is decelerating, thus using its kinetic energy to provide power for the car’s on-board electrical system.

Visit an OpenRoad location near you to learn more.

One of the biggest choices to be made when buying a sport-utility vehicle used to be the type of all wheel drive or four wheel drive system you need. Nowadays a wide variety of cars, not just SUVs, are also available with all wheel drive or four wheel drive for all weather traction.

But with an even wider variety of systems available with some manufacturers offering two or even more choices on a single vehicle line, the choices can be confusing.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of what’s out there, and some of the more well known/well advertised systems available!

4WD vs AWD – What’s the difference?

4WD vs AWD: Generally speaking, Four Wheel Drive systems (4WD) have extra low gearing in a separate gearbox for more torque when off-roading. All Wheel Drive (AWD) systems do not have this separate low range gearbox. The benefit of the latter is that it saves on system complexity and weight with fewer components to wear out and better fuel economy. If you don’t plan on doing any serious off-roading or towing, stick with a vehicle with all-wheel-drive.

The Terminology behind it

Part-time 4WD: The most basic system out there. It gives the driver the choice of he/she wants to engage two wheel or four wheel drive modes. However, most part-time 4WD systems cannot be engaged unless it is very slippery because the system locks both the front and rear axles together. Using these systems on dry roads, especially around corners, will cause binding and potential damage to the system.

Full-time 4WD: Offers a driver selectable two-wheel-drive mode for dry-road or summertime driving, an “auto 4WD” or full-time 4WD mode for changing conditions or inclemental weather conditions, and a 4WD Low or Lock mode for low range gearing and off-roading.

Permanent 4WD: These permanent systems send power to all wheels at all time, typically with a fixed power split ratio between front and rear wheels. Many permanent systems can be dynamic in nature, computer controlled with the ability to transfer power back and forth between front and rear axles depending on slippage or upon acceleration and cornering. Being a “4WD” means that there is low range gearing for off-roading or tougher conditions.

Part-time AWD: These systems are typically 100% front-wheel drive based, transferring power to the rear wheels only after slippage to the front wheels occurs. They require no driver intervention but are less sophisticated than permanent or full-time AWD systems.

Full-time AWD: Either a front wheel drive or rear wheel drive biased system until slippage occurs. Better systems will send a small amount power to front or rear axles (depending on which the main set of drive wheels are) upon acceleration, not just after slippage happens, to prevent loss of traction before it occurs. These systems tend to be more intelligent as they can also vary the torque between front and rear axles, and possibly side-to-side depending on the manufacturer. No low range gearing.

Permanent AWD: These systems are fully automatic with no driver activation or intervention necessary. Power sent to front and rear wheels is typically set at a fixed ratio (typically 50/50 or 40/60) so all wheels are powered at all times for neutral handling and all time traction before slippage occurs. Being AWD, there is no low range gearing for off-roading.

What different manufacturers offer

With a huge variety of manufacturers offering AWD or 4WD these days, we’ll cover some of the more well-known systems advertised out there.

Quattro: Perhaps the best branded permanent or full time all-wheel-drive system for consumer vehicles. When people think of all-wheel-drive for passenger vehicles, Audi’s Quattro probably springs to mind. And as it should too, as Audi, partly as a way to win multiple World Rally Championships in the 1980’s, is largely responsible for popularizing all wheel traction in cars that we can all enjoy these days.

These days there are several different types of Quattro systems varying on which vehicle you choose in Audi’s model range.

Learn more at OpenRoad Audi.

4MATIC: A generic name for Mercedes-Benz’s 4WD or AWD vehicles with four powered wheels. It can refer to either a full-time AWD system, a permanent AWD system, or a Mercedes-Benz’s permanent 4WD system, depending on the model.

xDrive: BMW’s permanent all-wheel-drive system that is typically rear wheel drive biased. This allows for the typical rear wheel drive sporty BMW feel that customers and owners expect. This system is dynamic in nature and has the ability to transfer power fore and aft, side-to-side, and before slippage occurs.

xDrive is available on over 20 different BMW models: from the BMW 3 Series Sedan, 4-series Coupé, to the BMW 5 and 7 Series Sedans, as well as their X3, X5 and X6 Sports Activity Vehicles including the BMW X5M and BMW X6M.

Learn more at BMW Langley.

Instinctive AWD: Jaguar’s permanent all-wheel-drive system, also rear wheel biased and with the ability to start from the rear wheel drive biased ratio and transfer power fore and aft depending on conditions. On the move, the intelligent system continuously monitors driving and road conditions to help maximize traction and handling balance.

The front-to-rear torque split can vary from most of the torque on the rear wheels to as much as 50% on the front wheels. What’s more, this system can even take action pre-emptively to ensure the best possible grip in a variety of road and weather conditions.

Intelligent AWD: Infiniti’s full-time all-wheel drive system that sends 100% of the power to the rear wheels most of the time, but up to 50% to the front wheels if needed, enhancing control and traction when conditions are not optimal.

Learn more at OpenRoad Infiniti.

Real Time 4WD: Honda’s part-time AWD system that is a bit of a misnomer as it does not have a low range gearbox. This system only engages only when slippage occurs. The hydraulically actuated system is 100% front wheel drive until the wheels slip in which case the rear wheels receive power.

Overall system operation is completely automatic; no electronics or driver action is involved. The greater the degree of front-wheel slippage, the greater the amount of torque fed to the rear wheels.

Learn more at OpenRoad Honda.

Symmetrical all wheel drive: Aside from Audi, the other vehicle brand that is synonymous with all-wheel-drive is Subaru. Subarus all use a permanent AWD system.

With over three decades of all-wheel-drive experience, including multiple wins in the World Rally Championships, Subaru has a lot of experience in this field. Their dynamic system actively distributes engine torque to individual wheels in everyday driving, as well as in extreme conditions. With a combination of equal length driveshafts and the boxer engine layout, Subaru’s claim to fame is that their system is better balanced and is more efficient than others on the market.

Active-Torque-Split AWD: Mazda’s full-time all-wheel-drive system that adjusts traction needs by monitoring wheel slippage, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and available driveline torque. In normal driving, 100-percent of the driving torque is delivered to the front wheels.

During aggressive acceleration or when one front wheel is on the verge of slip, a controlled percentage of the available torque (up to 50%) can be directed to the rear axle.

Learn more at OpenRoad Mazda.

Porsche Traction Management (PTM): PTM is either a permanent four-wheel-drive or permanent all-wheel-drive system. This permanent (active) all-wheel drive features an electronically-regulated, computer controlled multi-plate clutch. The system’s variable torque distribution improves driving dynamics, agility and rapid traction management. It ensures optimum force delivery in every driving situation and excellent acceleration power whether on long straights, through tight corners, or on road surfaces with varying grip.

Learn more at Porsche Centre Langley.

The statistics are pretty grim — on average 300 people a year die after being hit by cars backing up and 16,000 are injured, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). About one-third of those fatalities involved children aged 5 or younger and another third involved people 70 or older.

In many cases, the drivers are unaware of the person’s presence due to blind spots behind the vehicle which traditional rear-view mirrors do not adequately account for. Pets and children are particularly susceptible as their smaller statures make it difficult for drivers to see, especially at night.

While there aren’t any similar statistics in Canada, it is safe to say that countless accidents can also have been avoided by a combination of proper driver attention and driver aid technology.

Fortunately, simple and relatively inexpensive rearview camera technology can now make backing up safer by significantly improving drivers’ visibility.

A February 2008 bill signed into law by President George W. Bush gave the NHTSA a deadline of 2011 to create a rule to require rearview cameras for all cars. Although NHTSA has now said that they require till 2015 for further investigation, many manufacturers are already equipping their vehicles with rearview cameras as optional, if not standard equipment.

Since Transport Canada tends to mirror the rules from its US counterpart, happily, many of our Canadian specification vehicles are likely to follow suit as well when this law comes into effect.

In the dark and rainy months frequently experienced by Lower Mainlanders, the rearview camera can also help to avoid costly repair bills to the rear body panels.

With typical bumper repair jobs ranging from $500-1000 after repainting or at the very least the standard ICBC deductible ranging from $300-500, the rearview camera can potentially pay for itself and then some if it helps you to avoid just one unfortunate accident!

A few of examples of vehicles that already include rearview cameras as standard equipment include the 2014 Honda CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, and the 2014 Toyota Highlander.

But even inexpensive compact cars such as the 2014 Mazda3 are equipped with rearview cameras as standard equipment in certain trim levels.

In many of these vehicles, you don’t have to even have to have the optional navigation system to enjoy the safety benefits and convenience of the rearview camera.

The Honda CR-V, for example, displays the live feed from its multi-view camera on its i-MID (Multi-Informational Display) screen. If the vehicle is equipped with the navigation system, the video image will be even larger due to the significantly larger screen size.

As always, the rearview camera is only intended to be a supplemental aid to the rearview and side mirrors and is no substitute for proper driver attention to the surroundings.

Nonetheless, they are an important new safety addition to cover the blind spots directly behind the vehicle and below the window line, especially for SUVs that all have higher driver seating positions and more visibility issues.

With any luck, these rearview camera systems will soon be as ubiquitous as ABS and airbags in all cars in the not too distant future! In the meantime, be sure to test out the increased visibility the next time you go for a test drive.

The chilly weather in Vancouver is causing frosty, wet, and dark conditions difficult for driving. Be prepared and take proper precautions to drive safely in fall changing weather for your safety and others on the road.
 

Drive Safely In Fall Tips

•  Frosty weather
  •  Clear your windshield before driving. Keep a small scraper in your trunk.
  •  Slow down but especially when approaching bridges and overpasses as they collect more frost.
  •  Be careful for black ice which can be anywhere but take extra precaution in shaded areas.
•  Dark weather
  •  Use your headlights more often with the later sunrises and earlier sunsets for visibility for yourself and others.
  •  Look out for children, pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists.
  •  On the contrary, when the sunlight suprises you, be sure to have sunglasses to protect from glare.

Also check out our article on how to drive safely in rain and drive safely in fog. Be sure to follow the above tips to protect yourself, your family, and others on the road to drive safely in fall.
 

Metro Vancouver has been dubbed “Raincouver” by some because of what appears to be large constant amounts of precipitation throughout the year. And Vancouverites know it can be dangerous out there when navigating through the plethora of cars, pedestrians, animals, and more. We have compiled a short and sweet list of precautions to take and drive safely in rain.

•  Speed – Slow down. It takes longer to stop on wet roads especially with hyroplaning. Wet leaves can cause further slipperiness.
•  Distance – Maintain at least a 3 second following distance. This way you can avoid using your brakes too much. Keep extra distance behind large trucks and buses as their splashes can create big vision impairments.
•  Lanes – Stay toward the middle lanes because water tends to puddle in the outside lanes.
•  Visibility – Turn on your headlights, even in light rain, so others can see you. Make sure your brake lights and tail lights are working so others can see you. In addition, use other cars’ lights to foresee actions on the road.
•  Wipers & Car Maintenance – Of course, ensure your wipers are in good working condition and your vehicle has been serviced as suggested by your dealership.

Photo: Lisa

There’s barely a month left ’til classes are back in session, and we all know what that means; a trip to the local department store to stock up on all sorts of supplies and new fashions for the year ahead. But for those students who loathe the idea of being stuck on transit for three to four hours a day, there’s another trip they may want to consider: a trip to their local OpenRoad Auto Group store.

New Cars for Back-To-School

Below are the Top 10 Back-To-School Cars Under $40K (in no particular order) that should strike the fancy of almost any student and get them to their preferred institute of higher learning in style, safety and comfort.

Honda Civic Si

Honda has been working on improving its reputation at producing fun cars. This year’s Civic SI brings some welcome interior trim improvements. As always, the SI comes only with a sweet six-speed manual, so it’s suited for slaphappy students looking to blow off steam on some back roads before that accounting midterm. (MSRP: $26,245)

Scion FR-S

Dollar for dollar, this is the most fun you can have on four wheels. Urban Planing majors will be inspired to take the long way home in this perfect mix of price and performance. Better yet, just skip class altogether and spend the few remaining weeks of good weather at the track. (MSRP: $26,300)

BMW 1

Driven MBAs can fake it till they make it behind the wheel of this RWD daily driver. German quality and engineering in a no-nonsense package will remind colleagues that you can still go premium while (mostly) sticking to a budget. (MSRP: $36,000)

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Gadget obsessed design students will appreciate the bells and whistles available in the Veloster. The cool 3rd door allows laptop laden bags to be tossed in the back with ease, and a suite of apps let you access your iPod’s music via voice command or even remotely start your car. ($25,999)

Mazda3

Early reviews suggest this is the compact car to beat in 2014 as the folks who brought you “Zoom Zoom” have redesigned their entry level standby to be highly engaging on the road and have supposedly turned human/vehicle interaction design on its head with the integration of a new heads-up display system. Definitely suitable for anyone studying game design. ($15,995)

Audi A3

Entry level doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. With a diesel option available, fuel economy on those long commutes to far flung medical residencies becomes less of a concern. All that cargo space leaves plenty of room to stretch out and catch some much needed winks during a 48-hour shift. (MSRP: $34,100)

Toyota Prius C

The smallest member of the Prius family is perfect for any budding bureaucrat. Industry leading fuel economy from a proven hybrid drivetrain will leave enough juice to travel from office, to office, without having to hit gas station after gas station. The design, while taking cues from its older sibling, is unquestionably geared towards a younger audience. And that jingle… it’s hypnotic. (MSRP: $20,440)

MINI Cooper Clubman

Engineers like to build things. And sometimes a regular car doesn’t have enough space to fit all the necessary tools and gizmos needed to complete a project. Luckily, the Clubman has a pair of rear barn doors which swing wide, to make room for whatever gear or materials may be required to put that finishing touch on that end of semester assignment. (MSRP: $24,950)

Honda Fit

Cheap enough for a starving art student, but practical enough for their parents, this little Honda has tons of room on the inside for supplies, and is spry enough to fit into almost any kind of parking space. Fold-down seats are just the thing for making enough space to transport that masterpiece from studio to gallery. ($14,580)

Lexus CT

Luxury and fuel efficiency don’t usually go hand in hand, but the folks at Lexus know that today’s young law students demand creature comforts as well as excellent mileage. A premium multimedia and navigation experience awaits soon to be minted litigators, and optional sport tuning ensures a quick getaway from the library at the end of school year. (MSRP: $31,450)
 

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There you have it, folks – ten cars for ten types of students, chosen for their quality, practicality and price. While not all are considered “economy cars”, all of them offer above-average value and performance for their respective ranges. You may compare versus other new cars. Luckily for students, there are College Graduate Programs for exclusive student savings.

Now while driving to school may not be an option for everyone, those who need reliable, stylish transport on the way to and from campus will find what they need, with the help of their friendly neighborhood OpenRoad representative.

Used Cars for Back-To-School

Pre-Owned vehicles, through some compromise, are a more affordable alternative for students. There are many other benefits to why buying a used car is favourable, such as coming with warranties through being OpenRoad Certified and Manufacturer Certifed. Additionally, factors such as reliability, safety, and interest rates often vary less than many think compared to new cars.

If you already have a vehicle, you can search the trade value of your car for cars.

OpenRoad Auto Group offers a wide array of used cars and trucks at its many stores.

Car Maintenance for Back-To-School

To avoid unnecessary expenses, it is important to take care of your new car or truck. Here are a few preventative measures:

•  Must-Have College Car Supplies – Essentials, Convenience Items, and Road Trip Must-Haves
•  Keeping Your Car and its Contents Safe
•  Back-To-School Car Maintenance Tips