IMO the only way to get an accurate mpg figure is to brim the car and record the mileage at the next fill up and then you'll have a far more accurate measure than you're getting now.Town driving in heavy traffic will see 30mpg as will 80+ mph on the motorway.

Is the car regularly serviced? Spark plugs, air filter, oil all changed. Failure to do this will see a gradual drop off in performance and mpg. Are the brakes binding?

Hi,

I do remarkably similar journeys to you, 5 miles each way to work and about 200 miles every now and again. I have (not for much longer, though) a Peugeot 307 1.6 auto, and have been recording the brim to brim consumption since July.

I get an average of 31mpg, with a range of 24 to 37. The 24 was because of roadworks on my normal route to work which meant I went a longer, but more stop-start route, and the 37 was pretty much 90% Mway driving at about 60-70 mph most of the way.

I consider myself pretty light footed, and would expect a Fiesta 1.4 to be even more economical, so why not go for diagnostics? It might save you 5mpg. On the other hand a lighter right foot will do that, too.

I'm not suggesting you are heavy footed, but most drivers could save money by backing off a bit.

Slightly off-topic, I remember during the last fuel shortage a few years ago, I had to trudge up and down the M3 2 or 3 times a week, and was amazed at how slowly everyone was driving. It was unusual to see anyone driving at 80, and virtually everyone was at or below 70. It was almost relaxing;-)

HTH.

I drive a one year old 1.6tdi fiesta with 10000 on the clock. I've had it from new and the consumption is a disapointing 42 to the gallon. I drive normally and whilst I didn't expect the claimed 65 plus mpg I would have liked around 50. I complained to Ford and they suggested I take it into the dealers which I don't have time to do. To be fair to them they keep calling me to see if I've booked it in for diagnostics. Other drivers in the same office have identical cars and they don't get much better fuel consumption.

hi i have same model 03 1.4 zetec and do a regular 25 mile perfect run after 1 mile local to bypass for 24 should get 45/50 only getting 40! its non stop. have changed plugs and brakes not binding, will be changing air filter asap to see if it makes a difference,will keep you posted.

29-30mpg for mainly longer journeys is diabolical !

have you checked your wheels for sticking brakes or handbrake ?

have you checked your tyre pressures

are you running the aircon all the time ?

are you running around with roof bar rails ?

all of the above will increased your fuel consumption

My 8 year old VW Golf Diesel took me to Heathrow & Back this week (160 miles)

average speed 52mph / average mpg 62.5 mpg ( the trip computer is always spot on)