D3 fuel consumption
 

Just completed my first 1,000 miles in my MY2011 V70 D3 manual. I got 41.4mpg recorded and 40.11mpg fill up to fill up on the last tank. Other than a couple of local miles it was a 400 mile round trip over the weekend, mostly motorways, 80ish, 5 people and weekend luggage, than a 175 mile round trip today, again mostly motorway around 80ish but with only me. Tyre pressures at 2.7 bar on 17" wheels with 245/45/17 Michelin Primacy HP. Fairly gentle driving all round.

Will this improve as the engine loosens up do you think?

Now done over 2,000 miles, latest computer MPG for last tankful was 47.3 mpg and actual (brim to brim) was 45 mpg. Mostly motorway, 70-75, just carrying me, tyre pressures back down to 34psi.

(one day someone might actually be interested in this, but for the meantime I'll just amuse myself with my own thread!)

It seems the D3 is almost to the old original D5 in fuel consumption and power which is good news :-) so hope to get 50+ on a run soon ...

Saw your post on the XC60 forum there and thought I'd give you some moral support! My father came close to buying a V70 back in 08, but we didn't quite get there - too expensive for an auto over here - and we were pretty relieved given the D5 belt issue. But the price is coming back down to earth now, and today Volvo mentioned that they're sticking that new 1.6 T4 engine into it with ok CO2 levels (tax is high here), so the V70 might come back on the radar when that's been bedded in. As you mentioned, it's so quiet here - I often have a look because I'd like to see how the high mileage cars are fairing - but maybe it being quiet means that there are few problems with the car? Or maybe they're just really boring!?!?

Thanks Irishcarfan, began to wonder if I was talking to myself! As you say, maybe there's nothing much to complain about with the latest V70 and that's why it's quiet, fingers crossed! I'm really chuffed with my new V70 D3, it's absolutely in a different league to the 2006 Passat it's replaced and the D3 engine is scrumptious. I was going to write a "review" comparing it to the Passat, but then decided I'd probably be the only one reading it so might as well not bother. (If anyone wants to express an interest in my opinion I'd be pleased to reconsider!)

Ignored ?
 

Don't worry, there are people reading !

Love to hear your opinion/comparisions...

If that's one of the current shaped Passats then do it! Back in 08 it was another of the cars we tried and right now, I'm still trying to talk my sister out of buying one - so funny you should mention it :)

I WILL write a review then!

Very interesting Tommy :-)

I have just placed an order for a MY2011 V70 ES and your profile picture has helped confirm one of my queries which was the chrome window trim.

The other one is whether the ES spec comes with front fogs as per the SE & SE Lux trims situated in the front bumper?

I don't suppose you have anymore pic's you would be able to post??

Good to see your MPG increasing now you have started getting some miles on the clock.

Thanks in advance

Paul

"The Volvo V70 range at a glance.
ES
The ES aims to spoil. Its interior boasts supportive seats with Sundby Textile/T-Tec upholstery, electronic climate control and aluminium trim.
Then there’s the 6 speaker performance audio system with 80W output and features such as cruise control and an information centre. On the
outside, 16" alloy wheels, colour co-ordinated front spoiler and chrome window trim make sure your presence doesn’t go unnoticed."

And Yes it comes with front fog lights .
hope that helps :-)

The D3 is an amazing engine loads of low rpm power it feels more than the old 185 D5 , but runs out of puff at 4000 rpm ... but then you dont need to explore that rpm range ...

Gingerboy I think Clan's answered that one! I've got more pics and will try and get them up a little later.

Thankyou Clan & Tommy

I will look forward to you posting some more pic's

Paul

Pics now on line in an album under my profile. Not done any internals yet, but inside it looks standard apart from I chose the dark fineline trim instead of the standard aluminium stuff.

Hum, you are going to have fun cleaning those wheels. I'm lazy; that is why I chose 'Balder' wheels for the car I collect finallytomorrow. At long last.

Wheel cleaning is always one of my considerations when choosing wheels; these Njord ones are actually good, cleaned them today. Takes about 2 minutes per wheel to do a thorough job, without resorting to chemicals! The more expensive alloys look a nightmare to clean. Personally I thought the 5 spoke Balder wheels were a bit old school so thought they weren't for me, but only my personal taste, don't take it as an insult!

Genuinely pleased for you that yours is arriving tomorrow and really interested in hearing your views over the next few weeks and beyond and seeing some pics.

(Just to keep this thread on topic: my current tank of fuel is looking at averaging 42mpg: been enjoying the engine a little!)

P.S I'm not lazy, when it comes to cars!

Hi Tommy

Many thanks for posting the pic's as that has helped put my mind at ease in terms of the lack of images of the various trims which are / are not available from Volvo.

Liking the Njord wheels, I opted for the Balder wheels purely on the basis of the mileage I do and that they would be easier to clean than the Njord design.... only time will tell if that was the right decision.

Now the long wait begins :-( for my car! Whilst it has been ordered this week it is being held until March when my Mazda 6 is due for replacement.

I have to say that given the general feedback on the forum so far iot looks like I should be getting better MPG as well. The Mazda's is nothing like the published figures and it seems a common complaint amongst the earlier 2.0ltr diesel owners. Mine is currently averaging about 38-39mpg even when being driven like Miss Daisy.

Once again many thanks for posting the pic's

Paul

p.s. how many sleeps until March ;-)

Paul, LOL at the "sleeps", I only waited 5 weeks from order to get mine and I was like a ten year old waiting for Xmas.

I remember collecting mine having driven a D5 SE demonstator with 15k on the clock (it felt it a bit agricultural with turbo lag like my old Passat) and then testing a newer D3 which felt better but it was a very high spec car and alarms kept going off (BLIS) which was distracting. (Note to dealers: check your tyre pressures before demonstrating to customers). When I drove away in my own D3 I'd only gone a couple of miles and I already felt a little but special. It was the right engine and the right spec and it felt fab!

I note your comment on mileage; I do about 25k per year, half work, half private - I go gently in work time (car allowance and mileage allowance) and then enjoy my private miles with more vigorous driving. I reckon for me the fuel consumption is about the same on this V70 as it is for my past Passat (2006 2.0 TDI saloon 140 ps) which used to take 70 litres every 600 miles on an a "good" average week. Currently I'm getting better mpg from the D3 than from the Passat, but there are reasons for that:

1. The D3 is a common rail (CR) diesel as opposed to the older PD VW unit, so should be more economical through combustion efficiency, however the VW didn't have a DPF which the D3 has............................. and then we're into the bigger discussion about DPFs etc which I'm happy to recognise but it's not for this post. Ultimately my view is that the D3 kicking out 163 ps is as economical as a 2006 VW Passat TDI kicking out 140 ps, even though the Volvo weighs a quarter of a tonne more and is arguably less aerodynamic.

2. The Passat was a good car, but I felt I had to "drive" it. The best way I can describe it is this: You have a meeting in the day, throughout which you've had to concentrate, which is draining, then you have a couple of hours drive back again; the last thing you need is having to drive home in a car that needs to be "driven", you need a car that'll take you home without
any effort. That's what my car does, without fuss, without showiness, but with style and comfort. What that means is that I don't feel the need to drive faster than the speed limit, and ...................ta da................the connection to the thread............my fuel consumption is massively improved by the manner of driving!! Believe me, 60 is far more economical than 75.

(Send me a private message if you want to know how fast the D3 is, I'm not posting it on the 'net)

P.S. Paul, the Mazda is "Henson" compared to the Volvo which is "JPR" or "Edwards"

P.P.S. remind me what you ordered?

Hi Tommy

Your comment regarding driving style makes sense as I had a extended test drive in a D£ and my driving style changed completely. The things that jumped out as massive positives were seat comfort and how quiet the cabin was compared to my Mazda.

I have ordered:

V70 ES with the following extras / options
Vittinge Leather / cloth seats
17" Balder alloys
BLIS with free family pack
Bluetooth
Heated front seats
Special black stone paint
Tempa spare wheel

I think that is everything

Paul

Has anybody got the Geartronic? Would be interested to know what fuel consumption they are getting. Got to better than my soon to be no more Mondeo TDCi....or so I hope.

Not long to wait now. Its actually at the dealers, have seen it in the flesh and has been for a couple of weeks which is pretty good, considering they were originally quoting Feb for delivery. So infuriating that I can't have it 'til the 13th until the lease expires on my old one.

Would be interested to see the Dark fineline trim Tommy as I've gone for that too. I wanted to be a bit different as I've seen very few with that option.

Dave

Tommy, that 'fineline' trim looks awesome and adds a real touch of quality/class to the interior. Very nice looking car, and the wheels suit it too.

Any comments/problems with the interior? Parking brake etc.

Hi Dave

The V70 D3 SE I had an extended test drive of was a geartronic and it was showing 39mpg based on historical data. I reset it for the short period I used it and managed 43mpg but in fairness it had very low miles on it = less than 4,000 and by all accounts had been on loan for a week to a customer who used it on short local runs.

During the time i used it was a mixture of A, B roads and dual carriageways and real mixed driving i.e. cruising at 70 and also some enthusiastic but safe driving on the A and B roads so in reality on a run I would imagine you could easily better the figure of 43mpg if you were driving sensibly.

Paul

Thanks for adding the interior pic Tommy, know I made the right choice now!

And thats definitely better than my current Mondy Paul! Currently getting c.35 mpg around town and on the commute, and c.41 on a run.

Thanks! I thought the aluminium trim was a bit too much (shiny/technical) for a volvo interior so thought the dark trim would be more in keeping with a gentleman's car!

Interior all good, electronic parking brake is fine, as I had that for 5 years on my Passat, but the position of the button is awful, too low and not easily visible.

Just to keep this thread relevant to D3 fuel consumption............

Last tank averaged about 41mpg brim to brim, and this was echoed by mpg displayed by car within a few percentage points. Done 230 miles on current tank and currently showing 50mpg, primarily A1 motoway driving with cruise control at 70.

I'm forming the opinion that if you drive this engine in a "spirited" fashion you'd get low 30s, but if you really want to maximise fuel economy, to the point of being a pain to other road users (i.e. joining the lorries in the slow lane and overtaking at a snail's pace), you could get somewhere approaching 60mpg. I think I'd be happy to get a long term average of anything above 40mpg with a mix of driving. After all, I got the D3 for a reason, otherwise I'd have bought a 1.6 eDrive!

This is interesting as I am a gnats watsit away from ordering an XC70 D3 Drive SE Lux to replace our 07 (old shape) V70 2.4D.

With 80k on the the clock our V70 averages 40mpg, but on the motorway you can get much more, is it fair to say that the D3 is more economical? I'd hate to take a step back in the mpg stakes as it will be a company car and I don't want a kicking from the boss!

As an aside, I notice that MPG on both the V70 and C30 have dropped off quite a lot in the colder weather we've been having recently.

I'm getting a bit confused by Volvo's "DRIVe" stuff.

Am I right in saying that the "D3 Drive" you mention above is what I know as the 163ps D3? The "Drive" part only meaning it's part of Volvo's initiative on reduced emmisions and doesn't actually form part of the car's formal badging?

I've just looked on the Volvo website for the 109ps 1.6D for the V70 and it's not there as an option on their car configurator. I'm sure it was there last month.

In response to your question: I'm assuming the XC70 D3 you're looking at is FWD and not AWD, thus helping the fuel efficiency as part of the DRIVe initiative. If that's correct I believe the official fuel efficiency is a little less than on the V70 D3, presumably because of weight and aerodynamics. I would expect a new D3 V70 to be no less economical than the old style V70 with the 136 ps 2.4D. Comparing the XC70 D3 with your 07 V70 is a less easy comparison to make.

1.6D drivE [109ps] is being replaced by D3 drivE [163ps] 1.6d is no longer avail as it only meets mandated Euro 3 targets. D3 is Euro 4 hence the change, 1.6 DrivE fits into the 'all the time normal driving pace' you can't normally go any faster these days..... relaxed and lower cabin noise with the 1.6D. D3 nice punchy overtake though but do you actually get anywhere? Next set of lights and the steady 1.6D is right behind you. You really have to get a pace on to increase the average speed. Even continental autoroutes fully loaded its more than adequate to exceed the speed limit. Why did Volvo go the D3 route and not upgrade the 1.6 to Euro v? Probably badge engineering .. I couldnt possilby have of those ... a mere 1.6 in a Volvo estate PAh. All of a sudden it was adequte and now its not. D3 is a nice option but its [was] also another £1900. D3 is the way to go if it hits the real day consumption figures as advertised.

The 109 bhp 1.6 D is replaced not by the D3 163 but by the D2 which is a 2 valve per cylinder 1.6D with 115 bhp rather than the 4 valve 109 bhp ...

Nope - as far as I am aware only avail as a D3... dont even think there is a DRIVe now? Only 5 cyl diesels - NO 4 cyls anymore

IN the V70 range anyway

You can still get 4 cyclinders DRIVe's in Scandinavia, I don't know why anyone would want one, far to small an engine for such a large car.

I don't really understand the D3, based on the mpg most folks here are getting and what a colleague at works gets from his my 175HP 2.4D gets just as good mpg. I don't see why the 2.4D was dropped, the D3 isn't any better, if anything its slightly inferior, since the 2.4D has a higher towing capacity.

Actualy the 1.6 D works quite well , it has torque if not BHP , the D3 is a cracking engine more low rpm "go" than the old 2.4 . Its there for tax purposes , ie low emission ..

Apoligies to everyone - I made a mistake the 1.6D is Euro IV [4] and the D3 is Euro V [5]. Sorry for the duff gen.

The 1.6 works well if you only have a driver in the car, if you load it up like the family load lugger that it is, it struggles, you certainly can't load it up then tow a boat or caravan plus wife and 2-3 kids.

The D3 doesn't feel like it has more go low down than the 2.4D, it has less torque.

What belt issues?
 

and we were pretty relieved given the D5 belt issue (Irishcarfan right back at the beginning of the thread)

Can someone tell me please? We have an '03 reg V70 D5 engine. Anything we should know about (121,000 miles)

Cheers

Thats a thought about a fully loaded car but i guess you would change down to 4th at lower speeds to compensate for that ..
The D3 feels very lively away from rest , whether it is gearing or more low down boost i'm not sure , but pulls off from rest like a scalded cat . However runs out of puff at 3800 rpm , you dont need to venture up in that area though .

Absolutely agree with that, it has nearly the same torque as the D5 (20 less I think) and I feel it's quite leggy in the gearing.

As TommyWeaves kindly pointed out - after all this thrashing about has anybody got 'in a nutshell' the real world everyday consumption figures [excluding egos] for: -

1- 2.4D
2 - D3
3 - 1.6 DRIVEe

It would appear to me the quoted catalogued Volvo catA/B/C figures are completely irrellevant AND fictious.

Re 1.6 Drive E i have got 63 mpg from a non stop start C30 when i did 4 x 100 mile trips back and forth to the midlands from near bristol , without touchinig a motorway .. The C30 should be the most economic as it has extensive aerodynamic devices underneath , front centre and rear ..

Funnily enough the most economical versions i have seen are the V50 where i have seen over 73 mpg averages showing on the fuel computers .So it can be done but you have to drive it for economy .. thats never going over 2000 rpm or 60 mph and not driving in a hilly area and making every journey a long one .

I'm half way through my latest tank of fuel and my average mpg according to the computer is a dire 34!

Mind you that's all been done locally with appalling weather and road conditions and I'm not driving it economically.

All in all after nearly 4,000 miles I think mid 30s is worst case and mid 40s is best case scenario.