Welcome to the latest edition of FuelWatcher, the newsletter that saves Australian motorists money with fuel saving tips and information.

Thanks!
Thanks to your support the new FuelWatch website was launched on Monday, February 17th. On making the decision to implement a number of modifications to the service, we understood the changes would not suit all users. However, we have been overwhelmed by the positive response, and from the feedback we have received it is obvious the large majority of users now find the service to be more comprehensive and convenient, particularly with the introduction of the new SMS service. So once again, thank you for all your positive feedback, and stay tuned as we continue to make improvements to the new service over the coming months.

Are We Being Ripped Off?
A FuelWatch poll conducted during February, regarding Australia’s petrol prices in comparison to international prices, has generated a large amount of interest. The poll asked: “Compared to other Western countries, do you think Australian fuel prices are a rip-off, around the same, a bargain, dearer or cheaper?”. The poll certainly produced some interesting results, with 65% of people responding that prices are a rip-off. It seems there is strong sentiment that we are paying too much at the bowser in comparison to the rest of the world.

After receiving a number of emails from users wanting to know how we did in fact compare to other countries, we decided to investigate further. Interestingly enough, Australia is among the cheapest of all Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries (refer to the chart below). While this is an interesting fact, it does not seem particularly reassuring when you have just paid top dollar at the bowser. Therefore, FuelWatch will continue to provide the location of the cheapest fuel, so you can be sure you’re not only getting some of the cheapest petrol in the world, but you’re also getting the best deal in your local area.
 

Source: Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Australian Petroleum Statistics, Issue No. 59, June 2001

Until next month, continue to enjoy the savings!

Alexandra Christopher
National Manager
achristopher@fuelwatch.com.au

Damien Reid, our guest editor, with more fascinating news on the Fuel and Auto front.

Magna Wins Its Class In Fuel Economy Run
Mitsubishi has taken the fuel economy lead in New Zealand after its 3.5-litre Magna Executive completed the Energywise Rally sipping just 7.4 litres per 100 kms over 1500 kilometres and four days.

[Read more]

Can A V8 Be More Economical Than A Six?
It’s a fairly safe argument that bigger engines chew more fuel than smaller ones, so a four cylinder is more economical than a six which is more frugal than a V8 etc., On their own that’s a fair call, but factor in varying gear ratios and the engine’s torque (pulling power) and the equation gets very rubbery, meaning that given the circumstances a V8 engine of nearly six-litres could be more economical than a 3-litre V6.

[Read more]

New car reviews proudly supplied by News Limited.

Facelift brings refined Accent
Hyundai is raising the light car stakes, says STUART MARTIN

 [Read more]

Panel van surfs back into town
Lock up your daughters – the Holden panel van is returning. STUART MARTIN reports.

[Read more]

The average, lowest and the highest prices for last month in each city were:

The price leading service stations for each city last month were:

Brisbane	Service Station Caltex Address Corner Deception Bay Road and Coman Street Suburb Rothwell Average Price for month 85.8
Sydney	Service Station KC Petroleum Address Corner Elizabeth Drive & Salisbury Avenue Suburb Kemps Creek Average Price for month 87.5
Melbourne	Service Station BP Address Corner Foote Road and Union Street Suburb Lower Templestowe Average Price for month 93.1
Adelaide	Service Station Liberty Address Corner Grange Road and Welland Avenue Suburb Welland Average Price for month 96.1
Perth	Service Station BP Address Corner Girrawheen Road and Wade Court Suburb Girrawheen Average Price for month 95.9

FuelWatch is committed to helping Australian motorists get a better deal on fuel by providing them with free and easily accessible information on fuel prices.

Reproduction of the whole or part of this email constitutes an infringement of copyright. All information published in this email is intended to be used for your personal use only and can not be used for commercial use without the prior written consent of FuelWatch Pty Ltd. For data sales enquiries please contact sales@fuelwatch.com.au