The manual states "the brightness of the arcs around the fuel economy meter and speedometer change according to the eco drive level" etc.

Whenever I happen to remember about this feature I look at the gauges but I have not been able to tell if this is going on or not, or even what I should be seeing exactly. Has anyone actually seen this in action? Can you see it during the day or only at night? Is it a subtle change or obvious and I just not noticing?

 

I've noticed the gauges going brighter when my average tank mpg goes up. I only see it if the average drops a bit, and then starts going up again. My daily drive is over some rolling hills and I've noticed it a few times while having the tank average displayed.

I'm sure there are other causes, but that's the only one I've noticed so far.

 

I've noticed the gauge lights get brighter; its a significant and sudden change when its somewhat dark out (early morning drive to work during sunrise). I figured it was because i had my headlights set to "Auto" and that the gauge lights worked with the headlights but what you said makes more sense. I haven't had a chance to finish reading the manual so I hadn't seen that yet.

 

Oh, you'll notice it. The ring around the two main gages will glow, eventually into a bright blue. When you turn off the system the eco gage comes on and graphically shows you tour milage for the trip; If you're above a certain level it will read "excellent". If it does then you should have been in the FE range where the blue lights are on around the gages.

 

nash, If you're averaging 41 mpg (as per your signature) then you may not have seen the car yet when it wasn't glowing and thus may not recognize the difference.

 

You are right, I've only seen it dim a few times, it is bright most of time.

I've been learning the car and trying to use the instant mpg gauge to my advantage. So far I have my tank average at 45mpg for the past 180 miles, driving 60 to 70 on the freeway. I will be amazed if I really get near 45mpg for the entire tank.

 

I was able to maintain 45 mpg for 300+ miles last week at the beach in Nags head. However when I started back home on the Interstate in the rain it dropped to 43.3. In my home area I'm guessing 40 is about my limit.

 

Maybe that's my problem (good fortune). It always seem to be glowing. I'll have to drive it badly tonight (just this once) just to see...

 

40mpg is nothing to sneeze at VWGasGuy. My current (2nd tank) average of 45mpg is for 3 days round trip driving from home to work over the same route, about 4 miles of stop and go 25 to 35 mph roads, the rest on I-15 freeway driving. Going to work I rarely hit any traffic and rarely slow below 60, often doing 65 or 70. Comming home I hit some slow/stop and go traffic for about 5 miles on I-15.

 

I noticed it light up a bit today. Not sure why though. Haha.