A3 quattro 2.0 tdi (170) disappointing mpg - is something wrong?

[dod1e]

Hi all,

I have just traded in my old A3 2.0tfsi quattro for a 2.0 tdi 170 bhp diesel version, but am very disappointed with the fuel consumption.

I specifically went for a post 08 facelift version with the common rail engine since the quoted combined mpg is over 50 compared to 44 for the old version.

While driving home sitting at an easy 70mph on the dual carriageway i averaged 43.7mpg over 150 miles, and this rose to 44.5mpg with another 40 miles easy 50-60mph.

With this type of driving I would expect to be able to achieve the claimed combined figure as I regularly do with other cars I have and do own.

This morning on my way to work 1.5 miles town then 4.5 miles 60mph A-road, I only got 38mpg. I know the engine is cold but I can get 50-52mpg on the same journey in my wife's 1.9 tdi golf (58 plate) which has a claimed 56mpg combined, and I could get 30 - 32 in the petrol version i just got rid of so the 38mpg in this car seems very poor to me.

Does this sound low or is it par for the course?

Just want to know if I need to go and spend time looking for issues.

One thing i have noticed is that during low speed maneuvering, it feels like there is something holding back the car a little, not enough to stop the car but just feels like there is a restriction to free movement that I never felt with my old A3 quattro.

I therefore wonder if some of the brakes are dragging a little or if there is something wrong with the haldex causing the driveline to bind a little.

Also, could there be an issue with the DPF resulting in lower economy, or would there be warning lights if that were the case?

Thanks in advance fro any replies

[kalniel]

Sounds right to me. The 170 is quite a bit more thirsty than the 140, which is itself more thirsty than the 1.9 engines, and quattro takes its hit. Ignore claimed figures - I think most of the claims of improved economy for recent years is down to manufacturers getting better at abusing the tests so they have no real world relevance any more. For example, they're allowed to over inflate tyres, use special one off oils, tape over grills etc.

[dod1e]

Ok thanks, I do know that the claimed figures are just a guide but I expected that they could be relatively comparable between vehicles, I.e if i can get the combined figured in most other cars then I expected to be able to get the combined figures in this one.

I guess not, thanks for taking the time to reply.

[Zigmund]

Are you doing brim to brim calculations or relying on the OBC? The computer's not to be trusted really - try measuring from actual fill ups and odometer readings. Use Fuelly or something too - just a thought...

[t3ddy]

Hi all,

I have just traded in my old A3 2.0tfsi quattro for a 2.0 tdi 170 bhp diesel version, but am very disappointed with the fuel consumption.

I specifically went for a post 08 facelift version with the common rail engine since the quoted combined mpg is over 50 compared to 44 for the old version.

While driving home sitting at an easy 70mph on the dual carriageway i averaged 43.7mpg over 150 miles, and this rose to 44.5mpg with another 40 miles easy 50-60mph.

With this type of driving I would expect to be able to achieve the claimed combined figure as I regularly do with other cars I have and do own.

This morning on my way to work 1.5 miles town then 4.5 miles 60mph A-road, I only got 38mpg. I know the engine is cold but I can get 50-52mpg on the same journey in my wife's 1.9 tdi golf (58 plate) which has a claimed 56mpg combined, and I could get 30 - 32 in the petrol version i just got rid of so the 38mpg in this car seems very poor to me.

Does this sound low or is it par for the course?

Just want to know if I need to go and spend time looking for issues.

One thing i have noticed is that during low speed maneuvering, it feels like there is something holding back the car a little, not enough to stop the car but just feels like there is a restriction to free movement that I never felt with my old A3 quattro.

I therefore wonder if some of the brakes are dragging a little or if there is something wrong with the haldex causing the driveline to bind a little.

Also, could there be an issue with the DPF resulting in lower economy, or would there be warning lights if that were the case?

Thanks in advance fro any replies

Hi,

I have a 170bhp CR sportback, 2010 model. Its the 2 wheel drive version with manual transmission. Sorry to say but I'm getting better mpg than you're reporting! For short journeys around town in free-flowing traffic I can expect mid to high 30's. For steady motorway driving between 65 & 75 I always get about 47-53 mpg.

I have new tyres on and one thing I've noticed is how well the car free-wheels on the flat. The rolling resistance seems to be very low. How does your quattro feel in this regard?

The official combined mpg consumption figures are about 3 mpg higher for the quattro 170 than the 2wd 170, so this may explain some of the difference (50.4 vs 53.3) S-tronic will reduce the mpg even further...not sure what gearbox you have.

Got a question for you now please...! My car seems to make a lot of engine noise between 2000 - 2200 rpm. Its only really noticeable in 6th gear which is at 70-75 mph. Its like a droning sound, and its quite annoying when cruising at motorway speeds! After 75mph or 2200 rpm onwards its goes quiet again. Am I alone in this regard?