C70 T5 Auto - Dipsomaniac or Normal?

[280E]

Hi Chaps,

My C70 has been pressed into emergency service following some engine problems with the old X-Type diesel

Whilst it's nice to be actually driving the Volvo, I've been a bit shocked by the fuel consumption I've yet to do some proper 'brim-to-brim' consumption calcs, but the fuel gauge needle seems to drop almost before my very eyes - even with an egg strapped to the sole of my shoe

I realise that the engine tech is a bit old now, but even so, a previous 1998 S80 2.4 auto returned over 31mpg under similar driving conditions. I don't think the C70 is anywhere near this - even with very gentle driving.

Maybe it's normal for this time of year? There's no sign of binding brakes, and the engine seems to be running well otherwise.

Am I expecting too much?

[Bonefishblues]

Yes you are. Other than on a lengthy run (low-mid 30s), they're awful IME (low-mid 20s)

[ITSv40]

My C70 generally averages 32mpg - 2.4 manual . Driven 'normally' without being conscious of economy and the occasion ' drop it down a gear and floor it' . I just have to occasionally to hear that 5 pot roar.

[4x4]

My N/A 850 on a run earlier this year, never seen it lower than 32mpg

[Familyman 90]

Ive spent some quality time with my Dad's C70 LPT auto and can confirm that low to mid 20s is entirely normal. Normally aspritated engines will manage 1/4 to 1/3 better, so aren't a worthwhile comparison.

You really need to do a brim to brim calculation. The OBC readouts arent to be relied upon.

[Donmac]

On a long run/dual carriageway/60mph using 99 Octane Esso I've seen 43 mpg from my 1998 T5 Auto.

Running in mixed town traffic sees 28 to 32 but daily five mile commutes in winter it drops to low twenties or high teens.

My previous 'best' during the 9 years I had a 1999 2.5 20V manual C70 (non-turbo) was 38 and, during my short ownership of a 1998 2.5 20V Auto S70 I could only better 28mpg by sticking to 56 mph on long motorway journeys.

I wasn't surprised when the old 20V manual Coupe was often 10 mpg better than the boxy saloon with it's auto transmission but, finding that the C70 T5 auto could be so abstemious on long runs was an unexpected bonus

[Luxobarge]

I have exactly the same fuel consumption experience as Donmac above, on my 1997 V70 T5. Type of driving (short journeys, stop/start versus long runs at consistent speed) has a huge bearing on consumption I find.
Worth checking that the tyre pressures are right too, as this affects it.

Having done a few tankfuls in a row (700-800 miles' worth) and done a manual calculation, I find that the average fuel consumption figures given by the on-board computer are pretty accurate on mine.

[2Diesels]

My 850R auto displays around 22.5 using it round the doors, doesn’t do a lot more on a motorway run, I had a 2.5 20v auto years ago & it was 19-20 round the doors but 31-32 on a run

[JohnM 855 T5R]

If my T-5R estate auto is a guide

Eggshells on the throttle and no more than 70 on the motorway - 34 to 36mpg
Clear road cross country motoring with modest throttle - 28 to 32mpg
"Ordinary" out of town motoring - 26 to 28 mpg
In town motoring - 22 to 24mpg.
Spirited driving - 18 to 20mpg

Yup, its thirsty and at 162p / litre for Shell V-Power (£7.35 per gallon if like me, you still think in "old money), not a cheap beast to drive.

Who'd have thought petrol would have hit such prices. Retailers / distributors are really taking the p**s as crude oil prices have been falling back. Guess they are trying to recoup lost profits from lockdowns.

Regards
John

[Juular]

They aren't cheap to run! I try to think of mine like buying a first class ticket rather than standard because it's just a nicer experience than anything else.

Typically even with a light foot I'm looking at around 27mpg. It actually seems a bit worse now that I've rebuilt the engine which doesn't make a lot of sense but there you go.

Paradoxically I actually find Eco mode a bit worse on fuel as I have to use more throttle for longer to achieve the same acceleration. In Sport I find a quick blip is more than enough to overtake or get up a sliproad.

If I want a cheap trip I take another car..