Real world mpg - B4

[SnineT]

Originally Posted by KeithR56

My MY22 B4P fuel economy seems to be worse since E10 petrol was introduced. I was averaging 37mpg according to my Volvo app, but that has now gone down to 35mpg. On a couple of occasions where I’ve calculated mpg full tank to full tank, I’ve been achieving around 32mpg (mixed driving).

Recent journeys have returned the following:-
3.2 miles =22.3 mpg
13.2 miles = 32.5 mpg
33 miles (motorway) = 40.4 mpg
157 miles (motorway in eco mode) = 37.1 mpg

On another forum, some B4P owners claim to regularly achieve 50 mpg on longer journeys (one claimed over 60mpg). However hard I try, I can’t get anywhere near those figures. I’ve given up trying now and just enjoy the drive.

Found this Keith...


https://www.express.co.uk/life-style...ency-exclusive



https://www.express.co.uk/life-style...ncy-car-issues

[Mervin]

That's really helpful Sninet. Just filled the car with E10 for the first time last week. Haven't noticed any change but will definitely be only using E5 only from now on.

[KeithR56]

Found this Keith..

Thanks. That makes for an interesting read.

I’ve already been thinking about filling up with premium fuel next time so I can get a comparison. If I can find some at the right price and get a decent improvement in fuel economy it may just about pay for itself. Some of the “octane boosting” additives work out more expensive than premium fuels.

[SnineT]

It to me seems like the removal of lead from fuel years ago, removing the lead meant the valves got damaged and tbh with E10 the fact it appears to carry more rust producing water residue makes it even more unsuitable, I think tbh the bods have done this on purpose and the purpose is to greenify things to the naked eye and ruin the remaining petrol engines forcing people to go EV.

People underestimate desire, if you get a vested interest in anything regardless whether it can cause cancer or not they'll still push it on to us without a thought, well the thought is by the time we realise it's too late and the cash bag has been filled, they always say sorry later though so that's ok isn't it.

[Rustyfrog]

Originally Posted by SnineT

Not much chance of convincing her this https://www.nowcar.com/blog/archive/...tation-wagons/ as a future classic investment all purpose replace the caravan option then

I had to look twice.
I thought it was a caravan!

[KeithR56]

the purpose is to greenify things

The government has set targets on emissions that need to be met and the increase in ethanol from 5 to 10% is one of the ways to help achieve it. Increasing the ethanol also adds a few pence to petrol. Whether it damages engines remains to be seen, but water vapour in the fuel lines isn’t a good thing, especially in winter.

I recall in the 1980s, Shell marketed a petrol called Formula Shell which was supposed to clean the engine and increase performance. It was withdrawn after allegations that it burnt out valves and valve seats. Let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself.

[Rustyfrog]

Originally Posted by KeithR56

I’ve been using Rybrooks (Preston and Warrington) for years and have no complaints about their first class servicing. However, I have found their Sales team not only rude and unhelpful, but they also ask top dollar whilst offering 25% less than everyone else on trade ins. It almost seems like they don’t want the business.

As they now own all of the dealerships in this part of the world, they are always my first port of call when I’m changing my car, but I’m more than happy to travel to get the right car. My last two Volvos were bought from Malton (105 miles away) and Bradford (60 miles). On both occasions I got exactly what I wanted and saved thousands on the deal (just short of £10k saved on my current car plus friendly and helpful sales team). It pays to shop around if you have the time and inclination.

I’ve just had a quick look on line and seen a really nice 72 reg B4 Ultimate in Leicester with 500 miles on the clock. If I were in the market right now I’d be straight on the phone to them. (Actually, I think I’ve just scared the wife when she saw I was looking at cars )

Well I didnt get the 72 reg Ultimate from Leicester but I did get a 72 B4 Ultimate from the same dealer at their Coventry branch! I had a choice of three.
Settled on an ex demo with 580 miles on the clock in Sage Green. (What other colour could a frog possibly have?)
Thanks Keith for pointing me in the right direction. Well worth travelling a couple of hours from home.
Thanks to Arron, Josh and Lee of TMS Volvo who were really great in putting forward a deal we just couldnt refuse.

[Haldex]

The current B4 is our first petrol car in a while (not counting the runabout Twingo..) and I can’t say that I ever tested 95 (E10) in it - ie. Since new I’ve been filling it up with 98 (E5). As earlier said - my overall average is 36mpg - doubt it could be any worse or better on E10. And I think that’s quite alright for what it is (a 2-ton SUV..). At one point in life I had a company Touareg R5 TDI for a while (comparable in weight to XC40..) and that thing would do 20-21mpg when downhill and with wind in your back.

Btw, @KeithR56: We replaced a Suzuki Splash runabout (1.2 VVT) with a Twingo (0.9 Tci), both automatics (Splash a T/C, Twingo 6-speed DCT) non-hybrid petrols- and both of these are getting worse mpg in urban driving than our XC40 - so mild hybrid really does make a difference in stop’n’go. And as far as hauling extra weight - well you’ve seen the size of the battery under the trunk.. that thing can’t weigh more than 20kg..

[KeithR56]

@Rustyfrog - glad to hear you got sorted. I’ll give a wave if I see a Sage Green ‘72 plate XC40 in Chorley.

@Haldex - I’ve never actually looked for the battery, but assumed it would be bigger. It’s good to know that I’m not carrying extra weight around though (except for that around my waistline). TBH, fuel economy isn’t a major concern for me these days because my annual mileage is so low. It’s just the shock of moving back to petrol after a decade of diesel.

Having said that, I’m still going to try E5 super unleaded petrol the next time I fill up the XC40 just to see what difference (if any) it makes. I’ve tried premium fuels on other cars in the past with mixed results. I found the Volvo XC60 D4 diesel ran quieter on premium fuel, and my MX5 was totally transformed when I started using Shell V Power. With other cars I’ve tried it on, it didn’t seem to make any difference.

[Haldex]

https://www.volvocars.com/en-th/supp...upport-battery

It's about the size of an audio amplifier, fits snuggly under the spare wheel.