Gear Shift Indicator/Mpg

[Coupese]

I've got a HDi 115 DSport.

On Sunday, i did an early morning run to the east coast on the A52 through the flat fens with barely a breeze.

Through sheer boredom I did some mpg testing (AC on).

Using the cruise control and setting the digital cruise display to 60mph as a base line........

Following the gear shift indicator and using 6th gear I averaged 63mpg (just over 1500rpm)

Using 5th gear I averaged 67mpg (just over 1800rpm) with the gear shift indicator telling me to change up to 6th.

The engine is obviously in a sweeter spot in the torque range around 1800rpm rather than 1500rpm which is where the gearing sets you at, if you follow the gear shift indicator religiously.

It also backs up my wife's claim that during her commute to work the car is more economical at 70 mph than 65mph as 70mph is bang on 1800rpm.

I know you petrol boys won't get it, but I bought the diesel for economy on the wife's 80 mile a day commute in her upcoming new job.

[BeefMasta]

Gear Shift Indicator/Mpg

Interesting find. I've got a long journey on Thursday back home so I'll see if I can find the same sweet spot on the THP.

Driving down today, intentionally driving economically, I managed 54.2mpg (at one point up to 55.3) over 166 miles (probably 110 miles of motorway, 25-30miles each end were country roads). I used cruise control for the motorway, set between 60-70. On the country roads I accelerated slowly and changed when the shift indicator told me to.

[bluenose62]

I have a 110 HDI and my commute to work is 48 miles. The journey consists of 15 miles of motorway and 33 miles of A roads. I too checked my MPG yesterday as it has just had its first service, and got 64.1 MPG, which is great as that is what I bought the car for, more MPG.

[lfcrule1972]

I'd agree with your findings Coupese

[DigitalCal]

Interesting! Might give this a go on the way home from work today.