I saw another thread, where someone posted that the Mazda 5 gets the best fuel economy at around 3000 RPM.

I am curious about this - does anyone agree or know anything about this?

Under normal acceleration I tend to shift around 3,000 to 3,500 RPM, and tend to cruise at around 2,300-2,500 RPM. (Some exceptions of course such as climbing hills, and highway speeds, etc.)

My question is, if I am just cruising through town, should I try to keep the revs around 3000 RPM? This seems high for cruising when another gear is available, but saw the comment and am curious. If cruising at this 3000 RPM somehow reduces consumption, then I will adjust my driving habits.

 

I would say, if there's another gear use it, keep revs low. If you have to step on gas and not getting anywhere (lagging), you also may want to downshift (ie hills).

 

I agree, that has pretty much been my mentality when driving for the past 20 years. Never owned an automatic, and generally keep revs low except when I need power etc.

The comment I saw (can't recall which thread) got me thinking though, maybe they knew something I don't. ;-)

 

I think you where reading my thread asking about 4 speed auto tranny in the 06/07's.
it cruses at 100km @ 3000rpm. I was thinking it should be lower than that about 2500rpm
I guess thats why mazda put in the 5 speed auto.