Attention to CX

The acronym CX identifies the best-known coefficient measuring aerodynamic drag, which is the force that opposes the advancement of a body. On the road, the movement of a vehicle is strongly influenced by the resistance exerted on it by the air. When we talk about ecodriving – that is, driving that is mindful of saving and protecting the environment – the CX is an element not to be overlooked: a more or less aerodynamic vehicle line significantly affects fuel consumption. The CX coefficient is linked to the shape of the frontal section of the bodywork: in a comparison between a sports car and a massive SUV, the difference in CX is evident! While for SUVs the value can exceed 0.55, most recent mid-range cars generally have a coefficient lower than 0.35. In any case, be careful about behaviors that can worsen our car's performance: ski racks, roof racks, and roof boxes penalize aerodynamics and increase fuel consumption. With a fully loaded roof rack, at a speed of 120 km/h, fuel consumption increases by up to 39%. But even an empty roof rack costs: at 120 km/h, consumption increases by 5%. It is better to install these accessories only when necessary and remove them after use.