Consumer Reports finds small turbo engines don't deliver on fuel economy claims

The magazine said on Tuesday that its tests showed turbocharged models from Ford, Hyundai and Kia are less efficient than competitors. It also said the turbocharged Chevrolet Cruze got little extra power or fuel economy than a non-turbocharged engine.

The magazine did praise a turbocharged four-cylinder from BMW. Turbochargers pump extra air into engines so more fuel can be added to boost power and car makers charge more for them, promising extra power. Consumer Reports said a new Ford Fusion with an optional 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine was slower and got lower fuel economy than a Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Nissan Altima with regular engines.

Ford said it can’t speak for Consumer Reports’ tests, but its surveys show EcoBoost customers are satisfied with their fuel economy. A spokeswoman for General Motors Co. says the Cruze turbocharged engine provides more power and better acceleration when compared with the non-turbocharged engine. She said people who drive with a heavy foot on the accelerator of a turbocharged engine won’t see a lot of gas mileage benefits.