Having just opted out of a compnay car scheme I am trying to drive my car as economically as possible.
I have a 53plate Laguna 1.9DCi with 6 speed box.
I have a feeling that the most economical speed is just below where the turbo kicks in but the turbo is so smooth I am not certain where it begins.
Have so far tried (with the aid of cruise control)
55, 60, 65, 70, 75.
and the fule consumption seems to peak just below 60 (1700 rpm) then drops off quickly but rises again after 75?
Does anyone know (theory or experience) what is the most fuel effiencent way to drive my car on the motorway.
oops forgot to say 80% of my driving is up and down the motorways.
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The most economical speed typically is around the mid fifties which is why it's a marker point. Doing 60 off boost is going to be most economical/realistic and on most UK motorways won't be much slower than doing the 'normal' speed.. It's also surprisingly relaxing.
Using cruise should make it more economical as well. I'm sure I'm stating the obvious here as well, but windows shut, tyre pressures correct, air con off, all junk out of the vehicle and car well serviced are all going to contribute. As is anticipation and awareness. If I was a wag I might also suggest a visit to the toilet before long journeys might help as well. :-)
Also there are studies that suggest brisk acceleration (not thrashing it though) to the target speed is actually more economical than crawling upto it.
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I had a feeling that mid fifties would be the most economical and following a lorry is a very relaxing way to drive and on a trip to london I found it much more relaxing than my usual flat out race down the M6.
The thing that confuses me is that the fuel consumpation seems just as good doing 2200rpm/75mph but 2000rpm/70mph is much worse.
Figures I have are approx 48mpg at 60mph, 42mpg at 70mph 47mpg at 75mph. these are based on refueling at around 1/2 tank and calculating MPG based on liters used.
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I woudn't suggest slavishly following lorries is a great way to drive. I'd imagine it's probably quite frustrating for someone with a limiter to find a car being a bit of a road block. Hopefully you don't do that but it does rather sound as if you switch off if you 'follow lorries'.
What I tend to do is drive slightly faster than HGV's, Coaches and such and overtake briskly if circumstances permit. The last thing I'd want to do is incovenience other road users.
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As above and avoid any braking by concentrating 2 or 3 cars in front, not what's in front of you.
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My 1.9dci Laguna fuel consumption peaked at 730 odd miles from 58 litres of fuel. MAx torque for this lump is at 1900 revs . 65 mph 6th which is where i got the max fuel consumption. (mine had a rear spoiler so it may differ from yours)
Try her at 100mph. It really smoothes out a treat.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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I will try 65 and see how I go.
I find a good blast every now and again is a good idea to blow all the soot out.
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