HDI 90 and poor economy

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by brian, Sep 26, 2004.

  1. brian

    brian Guest

    I have always prided myself on getting good economy from all the vehicles I
    have owned, but the current 2001 Xsara estate HDI 90 seems to be the
    exception.

    OK I have only had it for three weeks, but the fuel consumption has ranged
    from 47 to just under 50 mpg. Given that this engine is supposed to be more
    frugal than the XUD9 td, I had hoped for rather better.
    (My 405 td estate used to give 47 mpg, four up with luggage cruising at up
    to 80).

    My calculations are based on mileage plus fuel used, not any kind of in car
    computer reading.

    The car has done 40,000 miles now, and was last serviced by Citroen main
    dealer at 36k. The air filter is certainly clean and the oil filter looks
    new.

    I have put through one dose of injector cleaner, and blown out the cat with
    compressed air which did dislodge some crud. But still, no matter how gently
    I drive, I cannot better the 50 mpg barrier.

    Is there anything else I can try, apart from giving my local main dealer a
    blank signed cheque (which I can't afford to do anyway)?

    Or have I just got the Friday afternoon model which Jean-Paul put together
    after too heavy a lunch?

    All suggestions gratefully received.

    Brian.
     
    brian, Sep 26, 2004
    #1
  2. brian

    jim. Guest

    Sounds about right for a HDi 90, or that's what mine does anyway.
    What sort of figures were you expecting?
    My old TD 406 couldn't manage anything like that.
     
    jim., Sep 26, 2004
    #2
  3. brian

    Mr Benny Guest

    What is your average legnth journey? The HDI takes a lot longer to warm up
    than the XUD.

    Remember, the Xsara weighs more than the 405 due to all the modern safety
    features and crumple zones etc.

    I'd be happy with 45-50mpg, but would expect a little more. My C5 HDI 110
    averages around 44-45 mpg.

    Perhaps an hour or two with the dealer and things will be better?

    Have you checked the tyres and are you using best diesel? I prefer Shell
    Diesel Extra in my HDI.
     
    Mr Benny, Sep 26, 2004
    #3
  4. Johnnie Scott, Sep 26, 2004
    #4
  5. I think you would find the 110 will get better MPG because you don't have
    to work it as hard. As another poster pointed out, modern cars are heavier
    and therefore you are less likely to get better MPG from a similar engine
    when comparing to an older car.

    I'd be pretty happy with 47-50mpg tho! Is that not in-line with what
    Citroen
    quote? I doubt they would be concerned about anything being wrong with
    the figures you are getting.

    My XUD engine'd Xantia does about 44 on a run, even when reasonably gentle,
    which seems to be about the same as everyone else. I'd be amazed to get any
    more out of it.

    Not sure where you are, but we have an excellent Citroen specialist in
    Bristol - AP Autocare www.apautocare.co.uk they were independent,
    but have now joined the Citroen approved dealers network, but that
    does not mean they are now as useless as Citroen dealers are!! You
    could give them a ring, they are very good. I think it is Dave who I have
    dealt with and he was really helpful, but don't quote me on that name as it
    is off the top of my head!

    Matt.
     
    Matthew Maddock, Sep 26, 2004
    #5
  6. brian

    Mr Benny Guest

    It is. Most of my driving is in heavy traffic or at 75 on the M62. It does
    50 on a good run.
     
    Mr Benny, Sep 26, 2004
    #6
  7. brian

    brian Guest

    Most of it has been in the region of 100 miles. Motorways and deserted
    French D roads - dead straight as far as you can see. But at legal speeds.
    Agreed that the HDI takes longer for the temp guage to register, but I get
    seem to get warm air from the heater about as soon as with the XUD.
    The Xsara unladen weight is 1250Kg, from memory the 405 estate was over
    1300. Plus I was comparing a run in the 405, four up plus luggage, whereas I
    have never had more than one passenger in the Xsara. At constant speed,
    above 50, wind drag has far more effect than weight and the Xsara is the
    smaller car.
    It's that little bit more I am looking for. The official figure is 51.4
    overall, and I know from experience that with my driving style I can
    normally improve on the "official" figures.
    Trying to check all the possible alternatives first. I have never had much
    faith in dealers. Change everything in sight until it comes good.
    Not rapeseed oil then????? ;-)
    Tyres are new, and I am always careful to check that they are at the correct
    pressure.
    I will try an alternative brand of fuel though. I am in Surrey, and a friend
    who is in the fuel business assures me that all fuel sold around here comes
    from one depot near Heathrow. He claims that this type of sharing is
    commonly used in the industry to keep costs down. Whether he is right or
    not, I couldn't say.

    I'm not going to give up yet, thanks for the response.
    Brian.
     
    brian, Sep 27, 2004
    #7
  8. brian

    Guest Guest

    Almost exactly what SWMBO gets from her 307 HDi.
    Dave
     
    Guest, Sep 27, 2004
    #8
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