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

[GreenTDI]

I keep thinking about it but I don't need a whole tail gate, waste of money. There will be an opportunity sooner or later, that I'll get my hands on it fairly cheap

After almost 2 months I refueled. Done a lot by bike, due to good wheater. I recently posted that I was not going to break a record this time because I regularly used the airco, and also made short trips. But guess what: yes, a new record ... 3.4l/100km or 68.5 MPG.It's starting to get pretty close to the target of 70 MPG. Cold temperatures and winter fuel can screw it up for the rest of the year.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by GreenTDI

... 3.4l/100km or 68.5 MPG.It's starting to get pretty close to the target of 70 MPG...

Nice result. I have not driven the Civic in weeks!

[GreenTDI]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

I have not driven the Civic in weeks!

That is infinite MPG!

Today I made the ultimate effort to put everything I learned this summer into practice. Circumstances were ideal. The result is 2.7L / 100km or 87.1 MPG and that was really getting the most out of it. Without engine off coasting or pulse and glide, that is. I notice that the car rolls very lightly at a moderate constant speed. At the smallest drop she's rolling out in gear with zero consumption.

Result: 87.1 MPG or 2.7L/100km
Distance: 69 miles
Average speed: 48 MPH
Weather: sunny 23°C, 12 MPH wind
90% highway at 55 MPH

[ptitviet]

Awesome! My average fuel efficiency is getting better and better at the moment with long trips, but always counterbalanced by moutain trips!

Btw planning a long trip to Hamburg in November, will try and see the difference in my car between a "german highway" driving style and the ecomodder driving style. Could be interesting to compare on one way and on the other

[GreenTDI]

Originally Posted by ptitviet

will try and see the difference in my car between a "german highway" driving style and the ecomodder driving style. Could be interesting to compare on one way and on the other

Always interesting to see how much you gain with an economical driving style. A year ago I did the same thing. On the way up, which was mainly uphill, at around 130 km/h and on the slopes full throttle in 4th. Resulted in 5.8 l/100km. On the way back, mainly downhill and quietly at 100km/h, I scored 2.8l/100 km. The average speed was not even that much lower, but the consumption was halved. Of course, there was also a level difference.

Keep us up to date!

[GreenTDI]

I put the new wheels on this week. The 15 inch forged Audi rims with 175/65 Dunlop Fastresponse tires, which is roughly 3% taller, 11% narrower and 20% lighter than the previous set. First impression: they fill up the wheel wells much better.





Now it is time for running it in and the first driving experience.

[ptitviet]

Wow they look gorgeous! I guess this will help a lot for fuel efficiency at moderate speeds, when rolling resistance is the biggest friction cause.

[GreenTDI]

Thanks! I also like the new look, but even more like the handling. Strong progress in acceleration, braking and comfort.
Can't say they save fuel yet, thanks to the colder weather. That will only become clear next summer ... But even at higher speeds, this set should give an advantage due to the improved aerodynamics.

[GreenTDI]

Matching the black center caps, I painted the lower part of the rear bumper black, in the form of a diffuser. That immediately gives a sportier look to it. The 3L TDI badges around the car (trunk and side blinkers) are also new, although many will think now that it's about engine capacity instead of consumption ...

[GreenTDI]

Things are going fast now. The car has been lowered yesterday by 4 cm (or ~1.5 inch) with H&R springs and all wheels are aligned. The wheel arches are nicely filled now. Less wind under the car and a good adjustment of the wheels should result in lower consumption ...