That chimes in with what I have found; after four hundred miles the OBC records an average of 36 mpg, which includes a lot of fuel expended on standing around defrosting. I expect to get somewhere in the forties when the weather improves and the engine is fully run-in.

These are the quoted figs from Volvo brochure. Doesn't appear that anyone is achieving anywhere near these.... other than the URBAN figs. [I note that astonoshing DrivE of Clans]

D3 man
Urban =39.2
X Urban = 61.4
Combined = 51.4

Just to add, we have a Citroën C4 Grand Picasso with that 1.6D engine and EGS semi-auto gearbox.
Over the last 10k kms it has averaged 37mpg, mostly on short runs at 50mph or less. That cars weighs give or take a few kgs the same as my 05 MY S60 D5 which over the same journeys averages 46/47 mpg.
1.6 EuIV in the Citroën is rated at 150g/km, D5 EuIII Volvo is 166g/km.

Car (D3) has now done nearly 6,000 miles. Just filled it up with 66.16 litres and managed 703.9 miles from previous fill up. I make that 48.3 mpg actual, with the on board computer saying 51 mpg.

Mostly motorway miles with cruise control set at 70mph.

I did 23 miles after it told me it was empty, and I still didn't get 70 litres in the tank when I filled up. How big is the reserve on these and is it included in the 70 litres fuel tank capacity?!

The spec states 70 litres therefore I would assume its 70 litres and no reserve at 10c ?. It would also depend on temp as volume is a function of it. [i.e cold fuel temp more quantity] Body angle would also affect the available space when its excessive. Based on your figures personally I would consider the reserve to be 4 to 5 litres or 50 miles when fuel ind = zero as an absolute maximum. Drive frugally when it reaches zero range. Carry a spare 5 ltrs can and test it, thats what I do when I have a new vehicle. At least you get an idea of the realibility and accuracy of the fuel indicator....just for those unexpected occassions.

I'd agree, apart from the temperature issue - 70 litres is 70 litres irrespective of temperature, but the fuel density would change, i.e. you'd get more miles out of 70 litres of cold diesel than 70 litres of warm diesel.

except 70 ltrs isnt constant with temp unless its ice then the volume REALLY changes. Agree density increases the weight of the fuel i.e you get more in when its cold. Warm fuel equals less effective energy and less weight. Warm some fuel and watch it expand. For example brim the container put it in the sun and watch it spill [and evaporate !!]...therefore it was 70 litres now its only 69 when you cool it again. This is exagerated.
Thermal expansion for diesel fuel is 0.00046 per degree Fahrenheit.

70 litres is 70 litres whether you fill up on a cold day or a hot day. 70 litres put in your tank on a frosty day will become 70.14 litres on a hot summer day and vice versa, but 70 litres is still 70 litres.

Either way it's pretty irrelevant!

Oh well if nothing else you've answered your own original question.

I've got 43.95mpg (over the last 16,000 miles) in my 2004 S80 D5 Manual (~135000 miles) and was thinking of updating the vehilce, just fancy a new one. Would want something as economical or better - any advice?
Was thinking of the 1.6d as drive like an old judge and promote fuelsaving through my tracking company so have to have something sensible.
thanks.
S.