European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - February 26, 1981, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Page 20 the stars and stripes february consumer watch Toyota min compact Here in european rally top dog is a the vow diesel called a Golf in Epa Gas ratings Rabbit diesel More than a hop ahead by Randy Barnett Auto writer the Volkswagen Rabbit last years Champion miser in the Miles per Gal Lon has successfully defended its in latest ratings by the environmental Protection Agency the 81 Model came through again As 1 with a rating of 42 Miles to the the winning Rabbit its Germania Nufa tured counterpart is called the comes equipped with a 97 cubic Inch displacement Cid diesel and 4speed manual of front wheel drive the Rabbit is classed in the subcompact car the Rabbit diesel and the Rabbit Gas engine versions Are of German origin and of and although made in new they cannot be classified As american cars in proper automotive while a diesel engine Model won out in the gasoline cars we rent far Only 3 Miles per gallon separating the Winner from the the runner up and top miser in the gasoline engine equipped class is the japanese made Toyota Starlet at 39 Miles per the classified by the Epa in the min compact car is powered by a 79 Cid 4cylin Der engine with 5speed the car is of rear wheel drive despite Detroit  move to pro Duce smaller and More fuel efficient its not surprising that foreign made automobiles continue to capture than 25 percent of the sales on the at a time when americans Are seeking top Miles per gallon Detroit has Only one Model in the subcompact class that returns 30 mpg the Chevrolet the Nave 20 models getting any where from 30 to 37 Miles per the most fuel stingy japanese subcompact car is marketed by the Chrysler that car being the Plymouth Colt the cars Are identical at 37 Miles per made by the Mitsubishi firm for the is powered by an 86 Cid 4cylinder engine with 4speed other top subcompact japanese cars in fuel Economy ratings Are the Dat Sun 210 85 Cid 4 Cylinder at 36 mpg the Toyota Tercel 89 Cid 4 Cylinder at 36 mpg and the Mazda Glt 91 Cid 4 Cylinder at 35 according to the Epa Chevrolet pact with the 98 Cid 4speed Man Ual gets 30 while the 3speed automatic Chevetta returns 26 the Epa also lists Fords new escort and its Mercury division Lynx at 30 these cars falling into the compact car and being tops in that also rating High in the compact class Are Chrysler corporations Dodge Omni and Plymouth both at 28 mpg and Fiat of Italy Strada at 28 in the two seater or sports car fits mid engined 91 Cid 4 Cylinder rates Best at 26 mpg while Chevrolet big with a 350 Cid captures the guzzler trophy at 15 in the min compact the japanese Agam win Here with the Gas Champion Toyota Starlet at 39 mpg As previously next comes the Honda civic 91 Cid 4 Cylinder at 35 then the Honda prelude 107 Cid 4 Cylinder at 27 moving to the Pas midsize car the Best rating there went to Chrysler new the Dodge these identical except for Grille and taillight were rated at 25 mpg with the 135 4cylinder engine and four Speed manual the car with the same 135 Cid Standard Chrys Germade were rated at 24 two other popular cars in this class the general motors car citation from Chevrolet division and the Ford motor company Fairmont were pegged at 22 mpg and 23 losers in the midsize car category where Gas mileage is concerned were the Buick Riviera 6cylinder Turbo and the 8cylinder Chrysler be Dodge Diplomat and Lincoln Mercury xr7 All four cars were rated at 16 mpg by the in the Large car the Best mileage figures were recorded by diesel engine tops for cars was the Oldsmobile Delta 88 with 8cylinder 350 Cid die Sel at 23 other ratings All cars using 8cylinder 350 Cid Buick 22 Chevrolet Impala 22 Buick 21 Pontiac 21 Cadillac 21 and Olds Mobile although not yet rated by the Epa for a truly Large car that is returning excellent mileage is the new Mercedes 300sd Turbo pegged at 2830 in Pri vate on Sale at cafes cafes has announced its sales for late february and 26march 1 15 percent savings on All mens lightweight Jack ets and All women plus specials on selected baseball and softball the weekly inshore flyer will include a Bonus Coupon toward the Purchase of any typewriter in March 58 15 percent discounts on knit tops in misses and Junior and All brushes and local stores will feature Var ious arts and crafts the flyer will offer a Coupon Good for off on most jewelry and sets or jewelry priced Over March 1215 15 percent discounts on All fashion and designer jeans in misses and Junior sizes and 15 percent off on Crystal items from leading there also will be specials in health and drug and Luggage and House hold the flyer Coupon will allow off on any camera priced or March 1922 15 percent discount on Many wooden shelf sets and a 10 percent reduction on All also 15 percent discounts on some the flyer Coupon will allow a discount on any watch Over among other Well known diesels not yet listed for 1981 Are the Audi 5000s 30 mpg in the Peugeot 27 mpg and the Volvo 27 these three cars would fall in the midsize in the station Wagon the least thirsty Small Wagon is Dat suns 210 Model at 32 followed by the Honda civic Wagon and Mazda Glt both at 31 the most fuel efficient midsize Wagon is Chrysler corporations new car Dodge Reli ant at 24 mpg and for Large station the diesels again Are rated most economical with the Buick Lesa Chevrolet Olds Mobile custom and Pontiac Ville safari All coming in at 21 Miles per while this report is As accurate As information allows at this it is not comprehensive because the Epa has not yet listed the Miles per gallon status on All 1981 cars sold in the United the figures in this Are from the first edition of the Pas 1981 Gas mileage additional 1981 models certified by the Epa will be included in the second edition of the which will be published in late March or Early along with listing fuel mileage figures for cars and station the guide also lists figures for pickup vans and cargo passenger and special purpose if you would like to obtain a free copy of the write to fuel Economy technical information department of Box Oak along with the Miles per gallon listings and other the guide features an annual fuel costs Chart that shows expenses involved at various Price and mileage the guide also gives some fuel Economy and Here Are a few of choose your new car carefully the greatest single step in saving gasoline is to choose your next car determine the size and Type car that can Best satisfy your Normal driving consider other important such As number of cylinders and Type of then use the Esti mated mpg and the average annual fuel Cost Chart to help you decide which Model in that size class to this refers to the information within the guide use driving skills that save fuel drive at a moderate steady driving improves fuel Economy try to avoid sudden stops and anticipate intersections and Stop lights so you can slow Down gradually and try to arrive when the Light is avoid tailgating and unnecessary accelerating and minimize idling after starting a cold drive slowly for the first few minutes to warm the motor and moving this is More fuel efficient than prolonged Warmup keep your vehicle in prime condition for Best fuel maintain your vehicle Accord ing to the manufacturers tuneup vehicles average approximately 48 percent better Gas mile age than those not properly keep the tires inflated to the proper each Pound of under inflation can cause a fuel loss of on half