Introducing George

[Arragonis]

Add a new couple of tanks for Mildred last night - one slightly worse than the first one and one rather a lot worse. The OBD was out by 2-3% on both tanks which is pretty good.

We were against some time constraints on the way down so we had to shift quite quickly, the weather was also very foul - 40-60mph winds all the way there and most of the way back. I only got to drive for the last section so didn't master any technique for motorway speeds, also we had to divert off the motorway and go cross country for the last part.

I've read a lot about the Prius not being too comfortable at motorway speeds for FE purposes, which combined with the (IMHO) the fact that motorway speeds here seem to be higher than in the US probably didn't help economy at all. You also have to keep your foot planted to maintain an average speed of 70-75 on the uphill sections.

The CVT (aka "the engineers answer to a problem never posed") is hard to control - either low RPM but you lose speed or the engine seems to scream to maintain speed.

The good news though is that I think I have mastered the ECON mode a little more - I managed to drag the average consumption for the tank back (not finished yet) from 51 MPG to 55 in about 40 miles - it had ~180 on it when I started. With careful pedal use you can control the MPG bar a little more than in standard mode - its possible to feather the throttle to maintain speed (say 50 ish) and get the bar to swing between 50 and 75. In standard mode it seems that the throttle either turns the engine off completely or starts it at which point the MPG level goes to 50 and stays there until you lift off enough to turn it off again. ECON mode still allows the car to gain speed if you floor it though.

It was comfortable and apart from the rain pretty quiet too. The traffic update gadget worked well and the radio got reception where the Skoda one would give up - VAG radios seem to have that problem in the UK.

[Arragonis]

Cross posting from the daily mileage blab thread.

This is just an SG2 prediction but I'm on 192 miles in this George tank and the SG2 is predicting 2.7 gallons (imperial) to fill up. Which could be > 70 MPG.

I'm tempting fate here of course, the schools here go back tomorrow so traffic will be a pain in the soft parts.

[320touring]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Cross posting from the daily mileage blab thread.

This is just an SG2 prediction but I'm on 192 miles in this George tank and the SG2 is predicting 2.7 gallons (imperial) to fill up. Which could be > 70 MPG.

I'm tempting fate here of course, the schools here go back tomorrow so traffic will be a pain in the soft parts.

all of the MPG, none of the hassle of turbos/egr etc of a modern Tdi..

this could be awesome, except, after it all, its a girly shoebox

best of luck come filling time!

Also, be interesting to see if the pious gets better mpg on your commute?

[Arragonis]

I'm in touch with my girly side, or in touch with the girly to my side

Dropped slightly this morning to a predicted to be 69, of course once I fill up this could be total fiction.

The Pious hasn't been on the comute for a week or so, we shall have to see what it manages to get.

[Arragonis]

It was slight fiction, 57 MPG (US) which came out at 68 MPG (imp).

Originally Posted by Farmer Hoggett

That'll do pig, that'll do

[Daox]

Still not a bad fill, nice job.

[euromodder]

You're getting the hang of it.
57+ mpg in your driving conditions ain't bad.

[Arragonis]

Thanks to both - I appreciate the input.
SG was .1 of a gallon out.

It's good but I think there is some more to be had.

Firstly technique - I'm still learning. I haven't been too aggressive in switching off when idling sometimes and I'm not too sure about how to P&G effectively. As an ex-TDI driver the area above 3000 rpm is an unknown world except when mashing a BMW in Helga, I need to work out this mysterious LOD (LOAD) thing - hence my tap about VVTi the other day.

Plus the first bar on this tank was not good compared to other "Bug" owners so I'm hoping for more on the next one - I think I got better the longer it went on.

This engine is damn good for a petrol though. I can hit 5th at 35mph and it will pull - as in really pull - without any pinking. 4th is good for 25 or over. Its no fireball but I haven't been in the way for anyone as far as I know.

The chassis is good too despite the skinny tyres. On a few roundabouts this morning the usual tailgating repmobile 3-series BMW was not really keeping up much after the first one and I was coasting between the rest of them.

Secondly mods - I think there is some medium hanging fruit with Aero on this car. When I try P&G or any coasting over 45-55 there is a lot of drag that I can feel. One nice thing about this car being so minimal is that you can feel what is happening.

I may revisit this in the future but there is a slightly unwelcome resistance to modding George as he is still fairly pristine - I have become so precious

Tyres are still at 45 which helps with coasting but the ride is hard. I did tap I was going to reduce them but I've got used to it instead...

Thirdly drugs - should I look at petrol additives such as Octane boosters, would that help with P&G ? I'm thinking not TBH.

Anyway - target is 70 with this one. First part has been spoiled by hard traffic so I only got 55 on the (adjusted) SG.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by mcrews

Aygo Bulb Change - Toyota Owners Club - Toyota Forum

this link is a discussion about removing the bulb.....seem to be difficult for some!!

Update on this, the bulbs came out and in very easily. The only real annoyance is that the battery only occupies 1/3 of the space on the tray on the left hand side of the engine bay (from the driving seat) and its pushed along to the edge behind the light. Mounting it on the other end of the empty tray would have been better. I managed it without removing the battery though.

My next mod will be this before winter I think:

Larger rear wiper



Annoyingly the standard rear wiper arm is about 2-3 inches too short but there are easier ways than getting a whole new arm, just a replacement longer blade.

EDIT - and I may do this too

http://www.verboom.net/projects/c1/20090318/index.html

Yep, they save money so much by not putting in a door switch for the interior light on the passenger side

[Daox]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Thirdly drugs - should I look at petrol additives such as Octane boosters, would that help with P&G ? I'm thinking not TBH.

No, don't bother, you won't see any gains at all.

As for mods, seeing as your engine is quite small, I think an alternator switch would give a very nice gain. But, you'd have to get a deep cycle battery and charger for it. Something to think about for later on perhaps.