mpg on mondeo 2.2 tdci?

portchieboy

I have just bought a big 2008, 08 reg diesel Titanium X, ready to tow a caravan in due course.

Now obviously I did my homework first, so knew mpg would be low, but it is looking very low? What I wanted to know was what anyone else gets out of this?

Also, the computer system for working out MPG seems very queer. Instead of an instant, cumulative figure, it seems to have to build up from zero? So, having done 500 miles so far, it is showing 33mpg, but on decent runs still creeps up a bit at a time.

If MPG is low, is there anything could be causing it (ps....I am actually quite a careful driver, and drive pretty economically)

pstuart

Is this an automatic? We have a 2.0 163ps powershift that has never done more than 40mpg and 24mpg whilst towing a 1400kg caravan (tows like a dream!).
Its been back to the dealers twice for the mpg complaint with no joy and no new downloads from Ford.
Friends with the auto 140 ps auto get 50mpg and 33mpg towing our weight.

I think that we've both gone for unnecessary power here, other than that a super car with no faults over two years.

portchieboy

Interesting.

No, it is manual?

harveybobbles

Probably due to doing short journeys with the heated seats, heated screen etc on. and perhaps having the car running for 5 minues to de front it in the morning wont be helping.

Nine_Lives

I know you say you're a careful driver, but without more details - we don't know. You may think you are, but you may not be (no offence).

My wife thinks she's a careful economical driver. She is careful, but i can get 5mpg more than her in her 1.2 Corsa. She hits the brakes too much for my liking instead of judging the road ahead (i barely use my brakes). She changes gear way too much & too quickly. She changes gear at too high revs imo. Just a few things.

Also your journeys? They can obviously impact massively. If i just use my car for work & back, i can get 37mpg which is about book figure. If i use it for town journeys, i'll be high 20s, low 30s. Big difference.

Parkers have always been there or thereabouts for all of my cars. What do they quote for your MPG http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/ford/mondeo/

portchieboy

Fair comment 9 lives.

Yes, very short journeys generally, longer at weekends. I do think I drive pretty well, though as you say, difficult whenit is only a few m,iles. The Parker guide says 45mpg, not over sure if that is the best, or an average?

GolfBravo

portchieboy wrote: »

If MPG is low, is there anything could be causing it (ps....I am actually quite a careful driver, and drive pretty economically)

1. Winter diesel mix - b/w November and March diesel is treated with extra additives to prevent gelling in cold weather. Engine efficiency drops marginally with winter diesel due lower calorific value, not a significant difference, but it all adds up.
2. Cold weather - to give you good MPG diesels need to reach their operating temperature. In cold weather this means at least 10 minutes of driving. And I don't mean coolant temperature - some diesel cars have engine oil temperature gauge to give you an idea. So until the engine is hot it just drinks diesel like coca cola.
3. Short journeys. See above. Expecting 45MPG? It could be as low as 10-15MPG for the first few miles with cold engine.
4. Cold weather and tyre pressures - check your tyre pressures. 20ºC temperature drop means up to half a bar of pressure loss. So make sure the tyres are properly inflated.
5. Transmission oil viscosity in cold weather - just another factor. Low temperature = thick transmission oil. Especially old oil. Are the gears hard to change when cold? When was the transmission oil last changed?
6. Higher electrical loads - heater on? Lights on? Rear window demister on? The alternator (and engine) has to work harder = lower MPG.

forgotmyname

I have a 2L MK3 estate. Ive had it down to 26MPG average over a full tank.

But on the other hand at 70mph in 6th gear i can get 60MPG+

36 - 39mpg towing a caravan.. Happy with that...

Paperbird

Short runs are not good for mpg. My Saab has the 1.9 150bhp engine and returns around 57mpg at a constant 70mph ( cruise control ) but this drops to low 30's for 4 - 5 mile trips. Long none motorway runs give around 45mpg.
Towing a 1350kg caravan I normally get 32/33mpg but that can vary between 28 and 38 depending on the type of road and how eager I am to get to my destination.