Multitronic + MPG

[the bodgemeister]

Bit of a nerdy post really, but thought I'd chuck it up as it would be interesting to see other thoughts.

I'm not talking about comparing MPG results across the engines etc - there's 100's of those threads already. More specifically I'm referring to the multitronic box (begin the haters :zx11:).

I must say, I didn't buy the car purely on MPG, but it is a nice novelty to enjoy your car and still get decent MPG figures. I've got the 2.5tdi engine and notice that I'm getting on average around 30mpg on the daily commute into Manchester city centre and back home. (Well it tends to be 36ish on the way and 28ish on the way home).

I've noticed over the last week though that if I use the manual select between standstill and about 25/30mph then I get much less guzzling than I would if just left in auto. I think it's to do with just how much push you have to give when in auto for it to move but it seems much "sportier and revvy" in manual meaning I don't have to put my foot down as much. Hope that makes sense?

Anybody else found similar to this?

[mikeybutch]

I will try this on my 2.5Tdi tiptronic which I have just bought from my son.He got about 30mpg and says he never used the manual option but I find the Auto seems to over rev up to 30ish and thats where the fuel could be saved.Over that on steady driving it seems little different from the manual I had before but that averaged 34/35 cos the torque allowed it to be driven with lower revs from standstill

[the bodgemeister]

It'll be interesting to see what you find. It's kind of hard to put in words what I mean, but it's as though when in auto you have to depress the accelerator a lot more to get it to move than you do in manual.

My other notice is that it's impossible to coast (obviously given that it's auto) so I regularly find myself knocking it in and out of neutral when coasting down hill or when I'm on a long flat and know I'll need to brake up ahead.

[mikeybutch]

I know just what you mean cos the auto revs go up to nearly 2000before it changes up from first to 2nd etc whereas I could shift up in the manual at about 1200.I know your box is not the same so its interesting to hear that it seems to the same thing.Cant do the coasting in mine cos its Quattro and I think its not good for the drivechain.Are you sure its OK?Sounds a bit too much like being towed which I thought was wrong for an auto of any nature

[the bodgemeister]

All would seem to be ok? I've nothing to set the alarm bells ringing yet - all the usual operation is fine. I think it may just be because this is the first auto I've ever owned and in a manual it's much easier to leave it in a higher gear and let it coast that way.

[mikeybutch]

I think you are right cos my book says damage if the engines not running and oil is not being pumped thro the box.Still my lifetime habit is to stay in gear which I think gives more control if something happens.Tried using the manual shift again today but its too strange I thinkbut will give it another go

[roadrunnner7691]

I've never heard of coasting in neutral, in either an auto or a manual. I have a 2.4 multi and get an average of 33MPG on a run from Newcastle to Blackpool. I'll try the manual option next time I head over that way.

[the bodgemeister]

When I say coasting - I basically mean just free rolling in neutral. I only use the manual from standstill to 30mph and then knock it back into drive.