Noob from Telford - UK :)

[pherlopolus]

Hello

been lurking a few weeks now, got some awesome hints

I have a 1999 VW Sharan 1.9tdi with about 110bhp, weighs in at 1800kg, base FC is about 35-40 miles per imp gallon.

Just done my first long trip implementing a bit of generally cruising at 60mph with a bit of P+G on quieter roads, topped off the tank at the other end (154miles) and managed 50mpg! I figure with a bit more consistency i can get even better.

Coupled with using SVO mixed 50/50 diesel which saves me about 1/6th on the price of a tank of fuel I'm really pleased with the ways it's going!

[Daox]

Very impressive. I wish we had vehicles like that over here!

Welcome to the site.

[pherlopolus]

For those that dont know the vehicle, it was a joint project with VW/SEAT/Ford, they had some sort of agreement not to sell them in North America so that it didnt compete directly with Ford Minivans.

As far as cars go it's a real work horse, 7 Seats (when you need them)or 2 (when you dont) in many different ways, and you can take em out altogether and throuw them in the garage/spare room.

Can tow upto about 1900kg braked and is a like a a nice sized van with the seats out (and it's wide enough for me to sleep reasonably comfortably on the middle row of seats if i need a nap while on longer journeys)

it handles like a big car should, no wallowing, or leaning too much. very stable.

I'd post a picture but i need some more posts

[ecoxantia]

Welcome to the forum!

My other car is Vauxhall's equivalent to yours, the Zafira 2.0DTI, with a much lower-tech engine. We manage 50mpg or so (imperial- careful with comparing US and imperial figures here!).

My advice would be to major on driving techniques, I've got really pleasing results from my TDI skoda with hardly any physical mods.

[pherlopolus]

Originally Posted by ecoxantia

Welcome to the forum!

My other car is Vauxhall's equivalent to yours, the Zafira 2.0DTI, with a much lower-tech engine. We manage 50mpg or so (imperial- careful with comparing US and imperial figures here!).

noooo, not the same class zafira is based on an astra, much lighter, the VW equivelent is the Touran (golf based), sharan is the espace/sintra equivelent.

we looked at the zafira but were a bit put off by the lower towing capacity - still a great car though

yeah i have fun working out the Imp to US thing (dang colonials and there funny ideas )