'04 V70 168 Geartronic 5 speed - realistic mpg?

[stimperley]

Originally Posted by Symes

I've also got an MY04 V70 D5 (163) and it sounds like I'm in the same ballpark....
I log mileage at each fillup as the trip resets itself and so can easily see mpg differences, at the moment I'm getting 38/39mpg calculated and a computer average of 42.5 or thereabouts. But, I have noticed that the ambient temperature makes a big difference. Since the southern uk temps have started to get back to positive double figures the mpg has improved by about 5mpg... and my normal summer computer average is usually into the mid to late 40's for the same 45ml A/B road commute.
I have even thought about building a 'smart' radiator louvre to keep the engine temps up during the winter!

Best average i have done is a calculated 51 and a bit on a long gentle journey to north wales and back, but i.'ve also had a computer average of 44.5 fully laden (stuffed to the gunnals), roofbox and 3.5 blokes to Le Mans last June (mainly french a roads)!

I certainly find the geartronic benefits from a light touch on undulating roads when traffic conditions mean you're not pi**ing people off behind by 'feathering' up the slopes to avoid changing down.

yes, ambient temperature is probably a factor recently, especially on our short journeys. However, if you notice it much it could be a good idea to change the thermostat. They certainly only have a finite lifetime on my Alfa(surprise!) but happen to be a very quick and cheap replacement on it.