New to me diesel car (53mpg US @ 70mph)

[focus1.6uk]

Hello everyone,

This is more of a re-introduction as I have just bought a new car.

I've had it for around a month and a recent motorway trip of 110 miles (at 70mph cruising speed on the GPS) resulted in 53 mpg (US).

I'm happy with the FE compared to my last car, especially considering the non-eco driving and no ecomods have been done so far (the car is on winter tyres currently!).

Car spec:
2006 Renault Megane
1.5 litre common-rail turbo diesel, 4 cyl
106 hp/ 177 lb ft torque
6 speed manual gearbox- 2300rpm at 70mph (GPS)

I'm working on improving my driving techniques to suit the new car and any ecodriving or ecomod suggestions welcome!

[MetroMPG]

Congrats on the new vehicle... what shall we do about your username?

6 speed manual gearbox- 2300rpm at 70mph (GPS)

That's so nice. Beats the pants off the rev-happy gasser gearing we seem to get from 4-cylinder cars over here.

[justme1969]

I like it ship one to me ok! I would prefer that to many of the cars I am currently conscidering. I am leaning to the volksbuggy tdi and Ive got much bad blood in volkswagen brands. But choices are restricted by budget as usual. I would really like the hybrid Mercedes I can stand 60+mpg in a luxery ride, but outa my budget.

[PressEnter[]]

Very nice!

[HHOTDI]

very nice indeed! :{)

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

That's a nice engine.

[fidalgoman]

Very, very cool. thanks for the post.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by focus1.6uk

Hello everyone

...

I'm working on improving my driving techniques to suit the new car and any ecodriving or ecomod suggestions welcome!

Nice car and very good engine for FE I would pump the tyres up to the rated PSI + 5 at first and if that feels ok then +10 - this worked well with my Fabia TDI. Other than that make use of strong pulses and then long glides (in Neutral, engine on) when possible, or slowing in gear (DFCO) also.

You should be in the mid-60s (imp) quite soon.

[focus1.6uk]

Thanks for all the positive comments, I have gotten 70-72 mpg (imp) on a few journeys now but the cold weather has had an impact;the interior heater even cools when coasting!

I've not had much success with pulse and glide but I'm getting good results by keeping boost <5 psi on flat motorways and <7-8psi on inclines which holds my cruising speed or bleeds a little off. I also neutral coast, try to avoid use of the brakes and follow most of the milder Hypermiling tips.

As an aside, the 1.6 110hp petrol is geared very short, 70 mph at 3500 rpm!

Current 'mods'
Scangauge II
Slightly higher tyre pressure
(Factory wheel spats and front undertray)

Future mods and maintenance
Boost gauge
Extensive grille blocking
Delete the only muffler on the car/straight through muffler
ECU remap
Delete mudflaps x4
Synthetic engine and gearbox oil
Non-winter tyres and alignment
&
Constant 'throttle' cruise control if I work out how to do it and a coolant heater too would be great!

Thanks for reading