MPG on Megane Tech Run dCi 1.5 106 bhp

[AlanTR]

I previously owned a 2004 Megane dCi 80 bhp (5 spd gearbox) and my wife, who drove it most of the time, used to get well over 50 mpg around town, usually around 53 mpg plus. Through the full range of driving we were able to match the mpg specs. Last year we changed to a Megane Tech Run dCi 1.5 106 bhp (6 spd gearbox) and we seem to struggle to meet the mpg specs in the owners manual, even on a run with a lot of 6th gear use. Whereas I appreciate the extra 26 bhp will make a difference, I was expecting to see an mpg return close to 50 around town and I've yet to see 60 mpg on a run. We drive carefully, don't hang onto the gears and are not lead-footed. I'd be interested to know what other people have experienced? In all other departments both dCi cars, plus the Megane I 1.6 petrol I had pre-2004, have been excellent with zero reliability problems.

[direstraits]

Consumption on my 1.5dCi 106HP goes from 62mpg up to 50mpg. Depend how careful and sensible I am with the right foot. I own a station wagon which weighs 1450Kg when empty.

[Gav]

What tyres are on each car? I changed from Michelin Energy's to Goodyear Excellence earlier this year (when unemployed) and the mpg has got a lot worse (mostly because I now have a short urban commute than a longer extra-urban one before). The Goodyear's are no good, other than in the cold, snow icy conditions we have now. Also the tyre pressure affects the resistance, so going up to 44psi can yield a few more mpg, at the expense of some grip. I used to average 58mpg over the year, with 60mpg in the summer, and even better on a long run in my tourer dCI 106.

I often find that the trip computer gives erroneous readings when comparing against brim-to-brim figures. Where are you taking the figures from?

[direstraits]

I now have GY Ultragrip Performance 205/55 16, and with a lot of city driving and engine idling (with seat heating, etc.), I manage 44Mpg. As soon as I start driving out of city I get 47Mpg or more. I'll have to check pressure today.

[AlanTR]

What tyres are on each car? I changed from Michelin Energy's to Goodyear Excellence earlier this year (when unemployed) and the mpg has got a lot worse (mostly because I now have a short urban commute than a longer extra-urban one before). The Goodyear's are no good, other than in the cold, snow icy conditions we have now. Also the tyre pressure affects the resistance, so going up to 44psi can yield a few more mpg, at the expense of some grip. I used to average 58mpg over the year, with 60mpg in the summer, and even better on a long run in my tourer dCI 106.

I often find that the trip computer gives erroneous readings when comparing against brim-to-brim figures. Where are you taking the figures from?

The car has only 12K on the clock and has the original Continental tyres standard for the model. I keep the tyre pressures as per the manual at 2.2 bar front and 2.0 bar rear. The car does 85% town driving with occasional trips elsewhere that involves dual carriageway or motorway. I have to confess that I've been relying on the trip computer and I'll have to run a basic brim & refill mpg check to be sure. My wife uses the car much more than me as I'm away overseas about 6 months of the year but she's a careful driver.