GM Holden’s release of the so-called ‘flex-fuel’ Commodore a couple of months back might be one of the crucial first steps in positive change for the future of automotive fuel in Australia. The flex-fuel Commodore can run on petrol – but it can also happily consume petrol-ethanol blends up to E85 (that’s 85 per cent ethanol in 15 per cent petrol). E85 is a big step up from E10, which is quickly becoming the default automotive fuel. And that means we’re looking down the barrel of becoming an increasingly ethanol-fuelled nation.

There’s been a lot of controversy about ethanol but the fact is ethanol blends in petrol are here to stay. Here in Australia, regular unleaded petrol is being phased out, to be replaced by E10 – a blend of 10 per cent ethanol in petrol.

Most cars can

Not much actual fuel-saving benefit; massive potential problems if the battery goes flat

Potential Fuel Saving: Negligible

Annoying and pointless, except in absolute gridlock

The Federal Government offers this recommendation in itsGreen Vehicle Guide website: “By having the engine switched off, even for a short period, you will save more fuel than is lost … in restarting the engine. The net increased wear and tear from this practice is negligible.”

On the Calais V V6 we tested, one engine start appears to

Driving slower will save you some fuel, and a little money. But are you prepared to cop the time penalty?

Potential Fuel Saving: Up to nine per cent

Here's a quote from the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide website: “High speeds result in high fuel consumption. At 110km/h your car uses up to

Thinking of switching off the cool air to save money? Ridiculous!

Potential Fuel Saving: $1.75/hr, maximum

Driving with the air conditioning off in the middle of summer is intensely unpleasant, uncomfortable, irrelevant and stupid. I know this because I've done it now for two straight weeks in ambient temperatures of more than 40 degrees C. (This was one of the 'hyper-miling' techniques we used to

A potential fuel (and licence) saver on the highway

Potential Fuel Saving: Up to eight per cent, highway

Worthwhile … if you’re a leadfoot, or erratic

On 110km/h freeways it’s actually possible to beat the