What is the best real-life MPG car for motorway only, not taking into account urban driving?

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

What is the best real-life MPG car for motorway only, not taking into account urban driving?

Thank you for your sterling work. I do huge numbers of motorway miles and nearly never drive through towns.

Simply: What is the best car for MPG for motoways only? Also, will cruise control help MPG, even if the official rate of MPG for the cruise control car is lower? I have looked at a 2009 1.4 D Seat Ibiza Ecomotive (claims 94 on the motorway), and a 2010 Volvo 1.6 D eDrive (with Start Stop - claims about 83 mpg on motorway). The Volvo with Start - Stop and regenerative breaking for battery should be really good, but is only getting around 55 mpg (combined), on your figures. Anyhow,

I don't mind about the size of car and I am open to any car at all not just these two - large or small, as long as it has air con. I really don't mind - just looking at real the mpg for motorway.

Asked on 31 May 2012 by Economic Crisis

Answered by Honest John

Start stop and regenerative braking won't help a car get good mpg on the motorway. Lower speeds will. 60mph is good for about 20mpg more than 80mph. Yaris 1.4 D-4D very good. FIAT 500 1.25 diesel is very good too. Both engines are chain cam. Need fresh oil at least every 10k miles, but don;t need timing belts every 4 years.

Tags: fuel economy real mpg

Similar questions

Why doesn't my friend's SEAT ST achieve its quoted fuel economy of 80mpg?

I have a friend who lives near Stirling, three miles from the nearest main road. He does not receive the Telegraph and so missed out on your wisdom and replies regarding cars not meeting their advertised...

The MPG on my car is terrible - what could be the cause?

I have a Vauxhall Insignia and all seems mechanically sound with 68000 miles on the clock, a recent service and full service history plus new discs brakes all round. When I bought it I was getting around...

Which petrol car has the best MPG?

I am looking to purchase a 3-4 year old car. What is the best petrol vehicle that provides 55 miles to the gallon?

Related models

SEAT Ibiza (2008 - 2017)

Cheap to run. five star Euro NCAP rating, clear and simple dash layout. Facelifted with improved engine range from spring 2012.

Volvo C30 (2006 - 2009)

Really good looking coupe, on theme of 1800ES and 480. Best with 2.5 turbo engine and 17-inch wheels. Outstanding handling. 2.0D Powershift auto works well.