Mazda has scored an accolade from the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for boasting the highest overall 'Manufacturer Adjusted Fuel Economy' for the 2013 model year.
The EPA's Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends Report details the fuel consumption trends of all car companies selling new cars in the USA, on a model year basis. At 28.1 MPG (8.4L/100km), Mazda's average fuel economy had improved by 1.0 MPG from the previous model year. Mazda's performance is 4 MPG better than the average across all brands – 24.1 MPG (9.8L/100km).
The car company attributes its performance to the introduction of SKYACTIV technology in models like the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5. Mazda's performance was also due to luck in one sense. Hyundai Kia models weren't evaluated by the EPA, which is currently investigating the two Korean brands for flawed fuel economy data provided during 2012. According to respected American industry journal Automotive News, Hyundai would have pipped Mazda with a fuel economy figure of 29 MPG (8.1L/100km).
Runners-up to Mazda in the 2013 model year listing were Honda on 27.4 MPG (8.6L/100km) and Subaru on 26.7 MPG (8.8L/100km). The full list is as follows:
Mazda – 28.1 MPG (8.4L/100km)
Honda – 27.4 MPG (8.6L/100km)
Subaru – 26.7 MPG (8.8L/100km)
Nissan – 26.2 MPG (9.0L/100km)
Volkswagen – 25.7 MPG (9.1L/100km)
Toyota – 25.1 MPG (9.4L/100km)
BMW – 24.5 MPG (9.6L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz – 22.4 MPG (10.5L/100km)
Ford – 22.2 MPG (10.6L/100km)
GM – 22.0 MPG (10.7L/100km)
Chrysler-Fiat – 20.9 MPG (11.3L/100km)
All imperial fuel economy figures quoted are based on miles per US gallon.