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Hi there.

I recently purchased a 1.3 Mazda Demio 2004 model. Its only given me 380-400km for about 40L of 91 fuel ( its a 45L tank). I use it to get to work and back about a 16km round trip. The terrain is not overly hilly. Its a 4 speed auto so I drive it fairly carefully, there are usually two of us in the car. Tyres are at 33 PSI. What are your thoughts- this can't be normal right? Its a fresh import that has done 50,000kms. I bought the car for economy but its returning roughly the same mpg as my 2.4L Sonata!!!!

For flat motorway driving the consumption should be lower, maybe around the 6.5L/100km, but because it is only a 1.3L engine it will have to work a lot harder on the uphills than larger engines and for this reason the uphills will push the fuel consumption up - the 2.4L Sonato will cruise up the hills compared to a 1.3L Demio.

Carry out a proper fuel consumption test - fill the vehicle up to the brim and write down the current mileage then drive the vehicle for around 300km both motorway and town driving. Fill the vehicle's fuel tank back up to the same point as before and calculate the fuel consumption using the exact mileage travelled and the fuel used (topped up).

You should get the vehicle serviced as Japan imports are known for poor service records and there could be service items like the spark plugs and air filter that may need replacing.

Thanks

Its been a smokers car and they must have smoked with the windows up and the AC on. Now when I turn on the ac it smells like tobacco. ow can I get rid of this smell? Is it something that a garage can do? Is it the air cabin filter which needs to be changed?

You can buy an aircon cleaner aerosol spray, which is available at the major parts stores, and spray it into the vents (it normally comes with instructions) while the aircon is operating in recirculation mode. The tobacco smoke normally sits in the roof lining, seats upholstery, carpets, etc and is difficult to get rid of.

If your vehicle is fitted with a cabin air filter then get it replaced too - a mechanic can help you with this.

Thanks again Donavon,

One other question I had is there is sometimes a slight vibration coming up through my steering wheel while driving. I'm wondering if this is partly due to the small nature of the Mazda Demio. Or is it something else>

A vibration through the steering wheel doesn't sound normal unless it's on a rough road surface. Get it checked out as it could be a tyre or wheel balancing problem.