2014 Mazda 6 With Fuel-Saving i-Eloop Technology Priced

Edmunds.com

2014 Mazda 6 With Fuel-Saving i-Eloop Technology Priced

The 2014 Mazda 6 midsize sedan with optional i-Eloop technology that helps to conserve fuel starts at $32,570.

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rjett

Is a 2 mpg boost worth $2000? After a quick calculation based on highway mileage, it looks like it would save you about $76 a year at the pump (15,000 miles at $3.50 per gallon). It would take 26 years to break even on this upgrade. So I would say "no, not worth it."

BUT... You get much more with that upgrade. You also get "a lane departure warning system, high beam control, radar cruise control, forward obstruction warning system, a Sport mode button and active grille shutters." I see the radar cruise control option on most cars go for around $1000 and the other options would easily exceed $1000 when combined.

So I would say it IS worth it for the added features, but not if you're just looking to boost mpg.

techman41973

Hard to believe that taking the load of the alternator off the engine (via Iloop) yields such a huge jump in fuel economy. And on the highly, there isn't much deceleration to re-charge the capacitor. Can anyone explain.

se_riously

techman41973 - Based on the explanation here:

http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/env/i-eloop/

It appears the alternator can be de-coupled from the engine to minimize drive losses - hence the improvement in city and highway mileage. Also, the alternator can charge the capacitor whenever the gas pedal is released (coasting), not just only when braking.

dagmar3

The Nissan Altima does not have a six-speed automatic - it only comes with a CVT with the 4 cylinder.