My Green Skoda Fabia (VW Polo) R3 CRTDI - finally smashed the 3L / 80MPG barrier

[GreenTDI]

Back from a trip to the beautiful Black Forest in the South of Germany. Like I said before, I didn't expect wonderful consumption figures as I removed the grille block, had +500 lbs of extra weight in the car, and the route went over the fastest highway in the world. I could hold back though as my driven highway speed was mostly around 100 - 110 km/h (or ~66mph) and just the speed limits elsewere.

But there again is the miracle called TDI, and I unexpectedly scored the best mileage for an entire tank. After 1125 km or 699 miles, 39.89 liters or 10.5 gallons went into the tank. That's 66.3 MPG or 3.5L/100km. It seems pretty illogical but I don't mind! The less I pay attention and the more I disadvantage the car, the better the numbers! People would almost think that I'm cheating but no. It simply indicates that there is enormous potential in this funny little engine.

[GreenTDI]

A new personal record today! I went under the magical 3L mark, where I didn't get through, until now. Reinstalled the grill block, wheater and traffic conditions were perfect, as I've been also perfecting my driving style. Not using pulse and glide or coasting with engine off, just maintaining steady speeds on flat roads, using momentum going downhill to get back uphill, anticipate all situations and minimize braking and shifting. I must say the average speed remains quite high this way, as I keep the car rolling in gear while other traffic comes to a standstill.

Result: 84 MPG or 2.8L/100km
Distance: 53 miles
Average speed: 47 MPH
Weather: sunny 24°C, 9 MPH wind NW
70% highway at 59 MPH



The car received a thank you in the form of a bonnet pat -> "thank you my friend" He did a fantastic job, even with a weight penalty in the form of a passenger! And that passenger was blown away about that consumption figure, I may have convinced him to hypermiling ...

[COcyclist]

84 mpg US. Impressive!

[California98Civic]

Wow!

[ptitviet]

Wow!!! Awesome! You did great. I think pulse and glide wouldn't improve much your efficiency as your engine is not oversized.

My trip to France went fine but I couldn't get better than a disappointing 4.2l/100km, with 3 to 4 passengers, luggage and a lot of 110km/h driving.

[GreenTDI]

Originally Posted by COcyclist

84 mpg US. Impressive!

On the way to 90? Anyway, I remember times - mainly the first years of my car - that a 60 MPG trip was a real milestone. So besides some mods and improved driving habbits, it could be a result of a perfectly broken in engine & tires.

Originally Posted by ptitviet

Wow!!! Awesome! You did great. I think pulse and glide wouldn't improve much your efficiency as your engine is not oversized.

My trip to France went fine but I couldn't get better than a disappointing 4.2l/100km, with 3 to 4 passengers, luggage and a lot of 110km/h driving.

P&G could work in 3th gear at low speeds, or in higher gears after ECU tuning. But I tried it and it's not really my thing. I just love the friendly hum of the engine at constant speeds.

It's not disapointing at all for such a big car at those speeds. I don't think the Octavia will get the same numbers as the Fabia in similar conditions, however, they could come close.

[ptitviet]

Originally Posted by GreenTDI

It's not disapointing at all for such a big car at those speeds. I don't think the Octavia will get the same numbers as the Fabia in similar conditions, however, they could come close.

I need to come and check in Holland then...

[deluxx]

Wow! Master Driving Skills! Master Operator! Real inspiration! Keep up the good work!

[GreenTDI]

Originally Posted by ptitviet

I need to come and check in Holland then...

Belgium is really far enough! But Holland has potential for even better consumption, as the speed limits are lower, the roads better and the landscape is completely flat.

Originally Posted by deluxx

Wow! Master Driving Skills! Master Operator! Real inspiration! Keep up the good work!

Thanks, but half the credits should go to my car

[Piotrsko]

You exceeded even the you tube US guy that got 80 some mpg cross country in a heavily modded Golf