I am convinced that our Megane gives us about 4 to 5 mpg more when running on french diesel. In the UK I generally use BP or Texaco and average 50mpg. In France I fill up with whatever is convenient at the time at we seem to average 55mpg.
Driving conditions are similar, length of journeys perhaps a bit longer.
A friend reckons it may be because the french may put more sulphur in their diesel, is this true?
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I've covered a couple of thousand miles in France this month and will be doing another thousand or so in a couple of weeks. I've not noticed any change in mpg but boy, does the smoke/smell increase using french fuel. It would certainly back up your theory that the French fuel has a higher sulphur content.
No Do$h - Alfa-driving Backroom Moderator
mailto:moderators@honestjohn.co.uk
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I believe (subject to anyone knowing better) that all french diesel is at least 5% biodiesel ?
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This is correct, borasport20. All French diesel has 5% biodiesel in it by law, to save the planet etc. I think that this country should be including bio in the fuel, but Gordon is a bit worried about less tax take.
Most farmers would love to grow crops for fuel, we could use oil seed rape for diesel and wheat, sugar beet and potatoes for ethanol. It would be nice to grow something that people want to buy.
When I have been to France I have always noticed that the fuel comsumption has improved, and also that the car goes better.
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>>Gordon is a bit worried about less tax take.
Why would he get less tax ? I thought you had to pay the duty on fuel, whatever that fuel was ?
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The theory is that biodiesel is green, so they are not supposed to tax it as much.
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I drive about 4-5000 miles a year in France, half of it towing a caravan so posts above are interesting. My observations are as follows and all are based purely on opinion and I have no proof!
"4 to 5 mpg more when running on french diesel. Driving conditions are similar, length of journeys perhaps a bit longer"
I have always put slight improvement in economy down to relative lack of congestion on French roads - especially motorways (bar some - round Paris, Bordeaux and south of France): wife and I often say "we're on our own private motorway again" because there is no other vehicle in sight, can cruise for hours at the speed you choose. Most RNs also less congested and far fewer hold-ups - and so many French towns have by-passes (probably paid for by British contributions to the EU!!).
"boy, does the smoke/smell increase using french fuel"
Can't say I've noticed that, not from my car or other vehicles on the road (mind you, I do drive Cits so that might be the reason.) - and I usually use French supermarket diesel
"the car goes better"
Yep, I've noticed that, but then it always seems to run worse when back on British roads (especially that awful rough, noisy, concrete bit on the M20)even with a tankful of French diesel obtained in Calais. I put it down to the much smoother, quieter road suraces in France. (except for the towns, where they don't use speed humps but instead don't bother repairing potholes!)
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There's a partial tax rebate on biodiesel produced to the EN14214 standard, partly because it's a much cleaner fuel in terms of emissions of sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulates. I'm too tired right now to remember for sure, but AFAIR it's a 20p per litre reduction off the standard duty. The higher production cost of biodiesel vs. derv means that prices for the two fuels are now similar. I pay a bit less for biodiesel than for derv, I know of places where biodiesel is more expensive.
The rebate is also there ostensibly as a token subsidy to "encourage" the development of a fledgling industry, as the standard road fuel duty made the price of biodiesel significantly higher than that of derv (which is still subsidised in many other ways, not least the cost of military adventures to secure oil supplies, I mean introduce democracy and freedom to the world. Next stop Tibet).
Oh boy, it's been a long day ...
--
andymc
Vroom, vroom - mmm, doughnuts ...
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I think they add red wine to get rid of the stuff!
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I have filled up my diesel toyota camry with 100k miles in Belgium, and crusing at 80mph I manage a lot more to the gallon compared to home. It is something like 55mpg vs. 46mpg.
I fill up with texaco fuel.
My theory is that the fuel is better than the uk's; also the roads are a lot less hilly and smoother than ours. The hills on our motorways means more acceleration and this probably uses the fuel.
I have tried for example the london to brighton on the M23 when the roads are empty. If I stick at 60mph all the way in a petrol 2 litre, I manage 38mpg (even with no traffic at home)
I try sticking at 60mph in France, Belguim and Holland and get 52mpg. And the difference is that the motorways have flatter surfaces.
Conclusion.
Fuel is better and gives marginally better economy. However, the road surfaces also have a role to play in saving fuel.
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It might be the suplhur levels. I noticed that when the UK went to ultra low sulphur diesel, my consumption increased by about 3mpg.
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also the roads are a lot less hilly and smoother than ours. The hills on our motorways means more acceleration and this probably uses the fuel.
You might be right about Holland, but I think you'll find that France has some much steeper motorway hills than we do - you even get sharp bends on some motorways - try the A75 to Clermont Ferrand, or anything anywhere near the Alps.
In any case, for every mile spent labouring uphill there is another mile spent coasting downhil withh 100mpg showing on the trip computer.
You are, however, the only person who has mentioned petrol.
My old 1600 Golf used to average 35-40 mpg here, but on a trip through France would do 45-50 mpg.
I put it down to the volume of traffic, being able to drive all day at 60-70mph without stopping!
Every time you accelerate you are drinking petrol. Every time you brake you are wasting energy.
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No replies then. Does that mean my logic wins?
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No replies then. Does that mean my logic wins?
I know nothing about it. But I am taking the Renault to France over Easter and am going to monitor the fuel consumption again.
Merci to all those who have replied. Might try and learn some french as well...
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"Does that mean my logic wins?"
Not quite - I said the same at 20.20 last night! :)
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Every time you accelerate you are drinking petrol. Every time you brake you are wasting energy.
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I remember telling a friend of mine, many years ago, that an engine under braking was inefficient but he would never believe me.
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