106 MPG & more -- not for sale in America

oxford_guy

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Location
Ohio
TDI
Golf '11
Most of these aren't available here, even as the President has just advised government agencies to buy fuel-efficient cars.

Skoda Fabia GreenLine 2,006 km, 1,246 Miles on a Single Tank of Fuel

According to an article, 106.4 MPG US is what was achieved with that drive. The Imperial was 127.8.


Small and Large Family (ranked by MPG Imperial):

SKODA Fabia Estate 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Greenline II [2010] Manual 5-speed
83
SKODA Octavia Hatch 1.6 TDI 105PS Greenline Manual 5-speed
74
VW Golf 1.6 TDI 105 PS BlueMotion SE Manual 5-speed
74
AUDI A3 1.6 TDI 105PS start-stop Manual 5-speed
74
FORD Focus 1.6 Duratorq TDCi 109PS 5dr Saloon ECO Start-Stop Manual 5-speed
74
SEAT Leon 1.6 CR TDI 105PS Ecomotive Manual 5-speed
74
TOYOTA Auris T4 1.8 VVT-i hybrid E-CVT [2010] Continuously Variable
74
VOLVO C30 DRIVe Manual 6-speed, 5-speed
74
VOLVO S40 DRIVe Manual 6-speed, 5-speed
74
VOLVO V50 DRIVe Manual 6-speed, 5-speed
74
KIA ceed 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics Manual 6-speed
72
TOYOTA Prius Mark III 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid 15in wheel [2009] Continuously Variable
72
FORD Focus 1.6 Duratorq TDCi 109PS 5dr Saloon ECO [Post 2010¼ Manual 5-speed
71
AUDI A3 Sportback 1.6 TDIe 105PS Stop-Start 2 Limited equipment Manual 5-speed
69
VW Golf 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion SE Manual 5-speed
69
AUDI A3 1.6 TDIe 105PS Stop-Start Manual 5-speed
69
VAUXHALL Astra 1.3CDTi 16v ecoFLEX 95PS 5dr Hatch 16/17in wheels Manual 5-speed
69
VAUXHALL Astra Sports Tourer 1.3 CDTi 95PS 5dr [2011] Manual 5-speed
69
RENAULT Megane Sport Tourer dCi 106 [2011] Manual 6-speed
69
LEXUS CT CT200h [2011] Continuously Variable
69
AUDI A3 Sportback 1.6 TDIe 105PS Stop-Start 1 Manual 5-speed
67
VW Golf Estate 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion Manual 5-speed
67
KIA cede/proceed Facelift 1.6 CRDI Ecodynamics [2009] Manual 6-speed
67
KIA ceed/proceed 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics Manual 6-speed
67
HYUNDAI i30 1.6l DOHC CRDi ISG 66kW Manual 6-speed
67
RENAULT Megane Coupe/Hatch dCi 106 Automatic 6-speed
67
RENAULT Megane Sport Tourer dCi 106 [2011] Automatic 6-speed
67
SKODA Octavia Estate 1.6 TDI 105PS Greenline Manual 5-speed
67
CITROEN C4 1.6 e-HDi 112hp EGS6 Airdream NC9HR8/2PS Automatic 6-speed
67
CITROEN C4 1.6 HDi 92hp Manual 5-speed
67
VW Jetta 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion Technology S Manual 5-speed
67
VW Golf Plus 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion MkVI Manual 5-speed
66
VW Golf Estate 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion 7speed DSG S Direct shift 7-speed
66
VW Passat Saloon 1.6 CR TDI 105 PS BlueMotion Technology Manual 6-speed
66
HYUNDAI i30 1.6l DOHC CRDi ISG 85kW 15/16in wheels Manual 6-speed
66
HONDA Insight 1.3 IMA S 5dr [2009] Continuously Variable
64
VW Passat Estate 1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion Manual 5-speed/6-speed
64
MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class A 160 CDI 185/65 15in rear wheels 3dr [2010] Manual 5-speed
64
MAZDA Mazda3 1.6 115PS [2010] Manual 6-speed
64
FIAT Bravo 1.6 MultiJet 105 ECO Manual 6-speed
64
SKODA Superb/Superb Estate 1.6 CR TDI 105PS GreenLine Manual 6-speed
64
MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon C 220 CDI 16in rear wheels 205/55 Tyres ECO start- Manual 6-speed
64
VW Passat Saloon 1.6 CR TDI 105 PS BlueMotion Manual 6-speed
63
CITROEN C5 1.6 e-HDi 112hp EGS start-stop Automatic 6-speed
61
MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Estate C 220 CDI 16in rear wheels ECO start-stop Manual 6-speed
60
MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 205/55 16in rear wheels Manual 6-speed
59
SKODA Superb 1.6 CR TDI 105PS GreenLine Manual 6-speed
59
PEUGEOT 407 Saloon 1.6 HDi FAP 110 bhp Energy Saver Tyres Manual 5-speed
58
PEUGEOT 407 SW 1.6 HDi FAP 110 bhp Energy Saver Tyres Manual 5-speed
58
RENAULT Laguna Hatch 1.5 dCi 110 16in wheel Manual 6-speed
58
MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Estate C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 205/55 16in rear wheels Manual 6-speed
58
SKODA Superb Estate 1.6 CR TDI 105PS GreenLine Manual 6-speed
58
MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (204) Estate C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY +DPF 225 tyres 16in wheel Manual 6-speed
57
MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (204) Saloon C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 225 tyres 16in wheels rear Manual 6-speed
57
RENAULT Laguna Sport Tourer 1.5 dCi 110 16in wheel Manual 6-speed
57
VAUXHALL Insignia 2.0CDTi 130PS 5dr Hatch Manual 6-speed
57
TOYOTA Avensis 4dr 2.0 D-4-D T2 [2009] Manual 6-speed
55
FORD Mondeo 2.0 Duratorq TDCI 115PS Estate ECO [from July 2009 Manual 6-speed
54
MERCEDES-BENZ B-Class (245) Saloon B 200 CDI noDPF 205 tyres 16in wheels rear Manual 6-speed
54
MERCEDES-BENZ B-Class B 180 CDI 205/55 16in rear wheels [2010] Manual 6-speed
54
MAZDA Mazda6 2.2 5dr 129PS [2010] Manual 6-speed
54
RENAULT Laguna Coupe 2.0 dCi 150 Tom Tom FAP Manual 6-speed
54
SEAT Exeo 2.0 CR TDI 120PS SE Manual 6-speed
54
SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 CR TDI 120PS SE Manual 6-speed
53
PEUGEOT 407 Coupe 2.0 HDi FAP 163bhp Manual 6-speed
52
HONDA Accord 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT Saloon Manual 6-speed
50
PEUGEOT 407 Saloon 2.0 HDi FAP 140bhp Manual 6-speed
50
PEUGEOT 407 SW 2.0 HDi FAP 140bhp Manual 6-speed
50

(there are more, but I stopped at 50 MPG combined)

City cars:

SMART fortwo coupe fortwo coupe 54 bhp cdi 15in rear wheels [2011] Semi-automatic 5-speed
86
FIAT 500/500C 1.3 16v MultiJet 95 [from 2010] Manual 5-speed
72
CITROEN C1 1.4HDi Manual 5-speed
69
FORD Ka 1.3 Duratorq 75PS [2009] Manual 5-speed
67
FIAT 500 1.3 16v MultiJet/75 Manual 5-speed
67
VAUXHALL Agila 1.3CDTi 16v [2009] Manual 5-speed
63

Supermini:

VW Polo 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion Manual 5-speed
83
SKODA Fabia Hatch/Estate 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II [2010] Manual 5-speed
83
SEAT Ibiza ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Ecomotive Manual 5-speed, start-stop, Coupe, 5 door
81
SKODA Fabia Hatch 1.6 CR TDI 75PS [2010] Manual 5-speed
79
FIAT Punto Evo 1.3 16v MultiJet 85 ECO [from Jan 2010] Manual 5-speed
79
SEAT Ibiza/Coupe 1.4 TDI 80PS Ecomotive 5dr Manual 5-speed
76
VAUXHALL Corsa 1.3CDTi 16v 95PS 3dr Hatch [from July 2010] Manual 5-speed
76
FORD Fiesta 1.6 Duratorq TDCi 90PS +DPF ECO [Post 2010¼ ] Manual 5-speed
76
RENAULT Clio dCi 86 90G Manual 5-speed
76
SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDI 80PS Ecomotive Manual 5-speed
74
PEUGEOT 207 1.6 HDi 90bhp ECONOMIQUE [from Aug 2009] Manual 5-speed
74
CITROEN DS3 1.6HDi 90hp energy saving tyres Manual 5-speed, 92hp Airdream+ Manual 5-speed
74
MINI Hatch R56 Cooper D Hatch +DPF Manual 6-speed
74
MINI Clubman R55 Cooper D Clubman +DPF Manual 6-speed
72
VW Polo 1.2 3 cylinder TDI 75PS SE Manual 5-speed
72
SEAT Ibiza Coupe 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Manual 5-speed
72
SEAT Ibiza ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS S Manual 5-speed
71
CITROEN DS3 1.6HDi 90hp Manual 5-speed
71
VAUXHALL Corsa 1.3CDTi 16v 75PS Life / Club 3dr Hatch [2010] Manual 5-speed
71
AUDI A1 1.6 TDI 105PS Manual 5-speed
71
TOYOTA Yaris 1.0 D-4-D [2009] Manual 6-speed
69
MAZDA Mazda2 1.4 3dr 68PS/50kW [2007] Manual 5-speed
69
SKODA Fabia/Estate 1.4 TDI/PD 80PS GreenLine +DPF Manual 5-speed
69
FIAT Punto Evo 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 [from Jan 2010] Manual 5-speed
69
FORD Fiesta 1.6 Duratorq 95PS +DPF [Post 2010¼ ] Manual 5-speed
69
FORD Ka 1.3 Duratorq 75PS [from 2011] Manual 5-speed
69
CITROEN C3 1.4 HDi 70hp Manual 5-speed
69
HYUNDAI i20 1.4l 55kW engine & 15in wheels Manual 5-speed
67
NISSAN Note 1.5 dCi 66kW [2011] Manual 6-speed
67
FIAT Panda 1.3 16v MultiJet Euro 5 [from 2010] Manual 5-speed
67
CITROEN C2 1.4HDi Manual 5-speed
66
ALFA ROMEO MiTo 1.3 JTDm 95 Manual 5-speed
66
RENAULT Modus 1.5 dCi 86 Manual 5-speed
66
HYUNDAI ix20 1.4l CRDi [from Nov 2010] Manual 6-speed
66
MINI Hatch R56 Cooper SD Hatch +DPF [from March 2011] Manual 6-speed
66
MINI Countryman R60 Cooper D Countryman +DPF [from Sept 2010] Manual 6-speed
64
MINI Clubman R55 Cooper SD Clubman +DPF [from March 2011] Manual 6-speed
64
PEUGEOT 207 SW 1.6 HDi 90 bhp ENERGY SAVER TYRES [From Aug 2009] Manual 5-speed
64
FIAT Grande Punto (Series 2) 1.6 16v MultiJet 120 [from July 2008] Manual 6-speed
63
SUZUKI Swift Swift 5dr Manual 5-speed
63
KIA Rio 1.5 CRDi Manual 5-speed
63
FORD Fusion 1.4 Duratorq TDCi 68PS [until 2011] Manual 5-speed
63
NISSAN Micra 1.5 dCi 63kW Manual 5-speed
61
 
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oxford_guy

Veteran Member
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Location
Ohio
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Golf '11
Another interesting thing is that one vehicle is now sold with diesel as the base model in India, with the gasoline model being the loaded top-end model.

For people who want to promote fuel efficiency, that model is better than the current one in the USA of diesels being premium products only.
 

arne487

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Jan 16, 2008
Location
Fort Collins, CO
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'03 Golf TDI, '10 TDI Cup Jetta
It might be easier to decipher if you added the MPG in US gallons. Imperial gallons are a little misleading depending on who is reading this.

1 Imperial gallon is about 1.2 US gallons.
 

arne487

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Jan 16, 2008
Location
Fort Collins, CO
TDI
'03 Golf TDI, '10 TDI Cup Jetta
A 45 liter capacity at 83.1 Imperial MPG is approximately equivalent to 69 US MPG and 823 miles. Where did 106 and 1246 come from?
 

oxford_guy

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Location
Ohio
TDI
Golf '11
A 45 liter capacity at 83.1 Imperial MPG is approximately equivalent to 69 US MPG and 823 miles. Where did 106 and 1246 come from?
According to an article, 106.4 MPG US is what was achieved with that drive. The Imperial was 127.8.

You can find the articles here:
 

Mike_in_NEPA

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Location
Hawley, PA
TDI
None yet
Some of those are very impressive, and it just shows how the government likes talking out both sides of their mouths. "People must buy fuel efficient cars." "Car companies can't sell those fuel efficient diesel vehicles because they don't meet our absurd standards."

If they were really that serious about people getting into fuel efficient vehicles, they would have the EPA dial back on the diesel emissions requirements for 50-states for 3-5 years, and say on the 2016 model year forward, all diesel vehicles (below certain weight/class) must meet and exceed these very stringent requirements."
This would quickly cut down on the overall fuel consumption overnight by allowing a large number of fuel efficient diesel vehicles to be sold here in the US.

It would also allow for automakers to be able to see currently available European model for an entire product cycle 3-5 years before needing to meet stringent requirements. In addition, it would allow them to make money on vehicles they already engineered for other markets (because they could now be sold here in the US), and apply some of the earnings on the necessary R&D for ultra-clean and reliable emissions systems for the future.

I am not going to knock hybrids, but I will point this out about them: You can not tow using most of the hybrid vehicles sold in the US (the exception maybe being the one affordable hybrid SUV (Ford Escape)). With the torque-rich power that diesel give you, you can even tow with a VW Golf. Try towing with that Prius.

.
 

elconquistador

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St. Peters, MO
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2011 Jetta TDI
It's sad really. Our government preaches about forcing automakers to create more fuel efficient vehicles and then they kill diesel mileage with ridiculous emissions requirements that kill our mileage while Europe enjoys these high mileage vehicles...
 

GoFaster

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Location
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
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2006 Jetta TDI
1.2 liter engine is the key followed probably by low rate acceleration.
And, I'm sure, very low speed.

As a publicity stunt, this is all well and good, but for the rest of us who actually have places to get to within some reasonable timeframe, and have to deal with normal traffic, it isn't realistic to expect anywhere near that sort of fuel consumption figure.
 

oxford_guy

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Location
Ohio
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Golf '11
It's sad really. Our government preaches about forcing automakers to create more fuel efficient vehicles and then they kill diesel mileage with ridiculous emissions requirements that kill our mileage while Europe enjoys these high mileage vehicles...
As far as I know, UK vehicles have the DPF (diesel particulate filter).

I think a significant part of the problem is America's low-grade diesel fuel standard. Engine makers say modern diesels should have a wear scar of no more than 460, yet our fuel has a maximum of 520. All that it would take to fix this problem is the mandated addition of about 1.5% biodiesel.

Also, for fuel economy, our cetane standard is also low (40). In much/most of Europe, as far as I know, the cetane standard is around 50. The lower the cetane value of fuel, the lower the fuel economy. I've read that cetane beyond 55 is unnecessary.

There has been the suggestion that the trucking industry will be resistant to improvements in cetane because of the increased cost of fuel, but I'm not sure about the logic behind this because higher cetane should be able to increase fuel economy. The other benefit is that the fuel burns cleaner.
 
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oxford_guy

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Ohio
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Golf '11
And, I'm sure, very low speed.
As a publicity stunt, this is all well and good, but for the rest of us who actually have places to get to within some reasonable timeframe, and have to deal with normal traffic, it isn't realistic to expect anywhere near that sort of fuel consumption figure.
Here is the official rating for the vehicle:

SKODA Fabia Hatch/Estate 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II [2010] Manual 5-speed
83

83 MPG imperial is quite impressive to me.
 

tditom

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formerly: 2001 Golf GL, '97 Passat (RIP) '98 NB, '05 B5 sedan
I don't believe cetane has a very great impact on FE.

The 'absurd' emissions requirements here are not that much different from the European standards. Both sides of the pond will be in alignment in a couple of years in a couple of years.

Follow a truck belching black, sooty smoke and honestly tell us that emission requirements are 'absurd'.:rolleyes:
 

tditom

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formerly: 2001 Golf GL, '97 Passat (RIP) '98 NB, '05 B5 sedan
Here is the official rating for the vehicle:

SKODA Fabia Hatch/Estate 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II [2010] Manual 5-speed
83

83 MPG imperial is quite impressive to me.
How does that compare to what you're getting from your Golf?
 

rotarykid

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Apr 27, 2003
Location
Piedmont of N.C. & the plains of Colorado
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1997 Passat TDI White,99.5 Blue Jetta TDI
The extra cost to meet our safety rules and our over stringent emissions rules will keep all of these from ever seeing our shores . We would have to see prices spike into the $5-8 a gal range at least to see any political will to relax emissions & safety rules that block these things from ever being sold here . So this is a pointless discussion without the needed pressure at the pump ( 5-8 a gal at least or more ) to force the changes in policies that would be required to allow any of these to be sold here . None of these on the list could sold here without at least $10k or more in modifications today . Also the US auto industry has spent a ton of money on convincing Americans that 30 mpgs are the best anything can do . If these things were allowed into the US market the auto industry would be bankrupt in weeks . Because they wouldn't be able to give away their current low mpg crap .


So Not gonna happen ............
 

GoFaster

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Location
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
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2006 Jetta TDI
Here is the official rating for the vehicle:
SKODA Fabia Hatch/Estate 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II [2010] Manual 5-speed
83
83 MPG imperial is quite impressive to me.
That is on the European test cycle. I've heard nothing other than most vehicles getting nowhere near that during normal driving by normal people. The Euro test cycle is, if anything, even more out to lunch than the uncorrected EPA test figures.
 

Seatman

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Scotland
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2014 Skoda rapid elegance 1.6 cr tdi
I think agricultural machinery should be looked at if they want to complain about emmisions, where are the dpf's etc for them, they belch out smoke all day long ploughing, sowing seed etc and the little humble car gets all the grief.
 

tditom

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Location
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formerly: 2001 Golf GL, '97 Passat (RIP) '98 NB, '05 B5 sedan
And, I'm sure, very low speed.

As a publicity stunt, this is all well and good, but for the rest of us who actually have places to get to within some reasonable timeframe, and have to deal with normal traffic, it isn't realistic to expect anywhere near that sort of fuel consumption figure.
dangerously slow?
Key facts

0–60mph 14.2 secs Top speed 107 mph
 

rotarykid

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Location
Piedmont of N.C. & the plains of Colorado
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1997 Passat TDI White,99.5 Blue Jetta TDI
Key facts said:
0–60mph 14.2 secs Top speed 107 mph
, dangerously slow?
A lot faster than anything I drove from the late 70s & 80s gas and diesel powered , I always drove 65-70 on freeways back then as most others did and had no trouble doing it with these lower power models . And I have real experience today on today's roads @ today's speeds with a car 1.6 L D rated @ 52 hp / 71.5 Lb-Ft @ sea level , at least 1/3rd less up at altitude in the mountain west .

The 1.6 L D car with a much lower top speed ( ~85 mph ) and in the ~20 sec time range 0-60 @ sea level power levels , slower the higher up in altitude you go on regular D2 . The car did seem to do a little better , not as weak and would turn rpms close to redline on B10-20 up at altitude , higher cetane . On regular pump D2 it seemed to die and not be able to reach redline in Denver or higher . I drove cars with this engine and lower power ratings for almost 30 years .

The first Dashers ( Passat version B1 ) & Rabbits Ds ( Golf A1 ) were 1.5 L rated @ 48 hp / 56 Lb-Ft @ sea level so put out in the range of 25-30 hp / 35-40 Lb-Ft in the mountain west . I drove one of these around Denver for almost a year up here in the mid 90s without a single problem . These cars had a top speed of ~79 mph @ sea level output levels , 0-60 try 23-25 secs .

My last 1.6 D car still has no trouble in it's new owner's hands driving daily on a freeway where traffic routinely hits speeds of 85-90 mph allowed north of Denver from FT Collins to Denver and back daily . He is returning low 40s mpgUS on winter fuel and mid 40s mpgs on B-20/summer D2 . When I had it until last fall I had no issues running around roads all over the US , even in the very high altitude speed west .

So take that scare tactic crap somewhere else as most of here have owned cars and pickups that were far slower than these ratings without issue .

I along with a lot of other people would gladly live with those power levels and times or slower to get mpgs even close to what is claimed . I care less than nothing about take off times but really care about having the option of a car that can return mpgs anywhere close to stated numbers .

That said the only way I will ever see those numbers is by winning the lottery to have the money to transplant one of the these drive trans into a A2 Jetta or Golf .................. sad , really sad .
 

Padrino

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That is on the European test cycle. I've heard nothing other than most vehicles getting nowhere near that during normal driving by normal people. The Euro test cycle is, if anything, even more out to lunch than the uncorrected EPA test figures.
Really.....? Well I don't know what you think you know, but I can speak following my personal experience. Last summer during the month of July I was back to see some relatives in the old country. For 26 days I was driving 2001 VW Polo 1.4TDI, 5 speed (75 BHP, 144 lb-ft), covered 3200 km (1987 miles) and my average was 73.2 MPG (Imperial) 60.95 US and 3.85 liters for you. Please note this was everyday driving, observing the speed limits, not going faster than 65MPH and driving 20% city and 80% motorways.
 

DPM

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Yeah, I can't agree with you, Brian. Sandy's 307 averages 50-52 imp on a sub-10 mile commute. Current tank (a weekend away, driving gently) is indicated at 74 on the dash which will be something like 62-65 real calculated mpg.

Matches pretty closely the official figures of 46 urban, 57 combined, 65 extra-urban...
 

MikeMars

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Vento 1.9 TDi (retired), A4 1.9 TDi (rear end collision), VW Passat 1.9 TDi (retired), Audi A2 1.4 TDi
...
I think a significant part of the problem is America's low-grade diesel fuel standard.
...


The NA fuel got a lot better when the ULSD was introduced. But overall the euro fuel is a more regulated - there is much less variation from supplier to supplier.





--Edited: Added context since it was unclear what I was replying to! :)
 
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tditom

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rotarykid-
The roads are more congested, vehicles as a whole are faster, and people are more agressive. A car that takes 14 sec to get to the lowest highway speed could get you into trouble in a lot of areas.
 

tditom

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Realistic expectations of what vehicles are capable and general driver training (at least comparing US to Europe) is a big factor.

When's the last time you drove in a major US city, DPM?
 

Agontyr

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The roads are more congested, vehicles as a whole are faster, and people are more agressive. A car that takes 14 sec to get to the lowest highway speed could get you into trouble in a lot of areas.

^^^^ +1

One of the big reasons I stepped up to a TDI was the acceleration. 3 vehicles ago I owned a Brand X 4-cyl with about a 12 sec 0-60 time. It was a scary thing to merge into traffic during rush hour. A lot of 'floor it and pray you don't get run over' to get on the highway just about anywhere I drove.

Another thing I note about that list is the overwhelming percentage of manual transmissions. I don't know about the actual sales percentage numbers, but I think that automatics outsell manuals in the US by about 10 to 1. Admittedly, part of those numbers are because manufacturers don't OFFER manuals on as many models as they do automatics, but then the buyers are what determines the numbers in the end and most Americans seem to prefer automatics.
 

MikeMars

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... general driver training (at least comparing US to Europe) is a big factor.
...
Driving in the US is pretty chilled-out compared to parts of europe ... try driving in Greece/Portugal/Spain/Paris... :)

Even here in the UK the driving is quite a bit more aggressive than I experienced in LA or Denver.
 
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tditom

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Driving in the US is pretty chilled-out compared to parts of europe ... try driving in Italy/Portugal/Paris... :)

Even here in the UK the driving is quite a bit more aggressive than I experienced in LA or Denver.
Here's the main difference: Europeans understand that there are cars out there that take 14 sec to get up to 100kmh, and are more likely to adjust to them. Driver training in Europe is generally more complete than over here. In Italy/Portugal/Paris you are much more likely to see 50 hp vehicles every day, so your driving instincts are better able to react to that.
 
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