How can I increase the avg mpg in my S40 Eco?

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by skippyfox

Must agree with most of what you say, but diesel engines not liking the cold? The cooler the air charge to the engine the better, hence the fitting of intercoolers to a lot of diesel engine vehicles. just a thought.

Cooler air charge = more dense air = more power

I know that's the logic but it's not the case in practice. I don't know why, it seems more pronounced on the more modern engines.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by samcramphorn

Absolutely, I don't try to reach the speed limit as soon as possible. If I can keep it under 2k revs per gear then pretty happy with that.

Not always on the 1.6D's - on some of the variants you get better MPG if you keep the engine "on boost" - i.e. above 1,500 rpm. Do some experimenting, you'll see what I mean....

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Welton

Manufacturers MPG figures are ridiculous, it's about time they were forced to tell us the REAL mpg, you know, like, driving the car on roads!

If there was a Volvo Diesel saloon that could return 80 mpg everyone would have one

Manufacturers are not allowed to quote figures , Only the government independent test results can be quoted ...

[Clan]

Originally Posted by samcramphorn

Hi,

Just got my car today (woo) and did a test drive. Done about 25 miles on A roads (avg mph 50)and got an avg of 55 - 60mpg. Any idea what I can do to improve it?

They say it could get up to 80ish but I can't see how that's realistic.

62 plate
fully serviced
60k miles


Anything that springs to mind? (apart from not use aircon or lights?)

Cheers,

You are already doing a good job ! more ?

tyre pressures 38 all round it really does make a difference .
never go over 60 mph
keep to 60 mph
do not go up hills
do not do short journeys .
Average speed must be over 40 mph ...

over 70 mpg is possible on long distances at 50 -60 mph ..

look at the instantaneous mpg that shows you where you are going wrong .. ( and doing the right thing when it shows 90 + mpg ...

do you have a Driv e model ? they have a lot of aerodynamic add ons , some higher gear ratios , alternator management , and other things to help ..