Fuel consumption on test drive: A5 2L TDI

ferg01

Hi all,

I took an A5 2l TDI (2013) for a test drive yesterday. The test drive was relatively long - 40 mins or so and combined driving around Dublin suburbs and a bit of M50.

Out of curiosity, I took my own car (1.8L petrol engine) on the exact same route on my way home and my current car returned a slightly better fuel economy figure. I also made sure that I tried to drive in a similar manner on both runs.

I know the comparison wasn't highly scientific and traffic was *slightly better in my own car. My question is, would the A5 have returned a better fuel consumption figure if the engine had been warm? It had been sitting on the sellers driveway all day whereas my own car had just been driving for an hour before I went on the route.

This also proves that I probably need a hobby!

Thanks in advance for replies...

Dravokivich

What are you gauging the fuel consumption on?

ferg01

Sorry, should have mentioned. I reset the trip computers on the cars before each spin and took the final consumption from the trip computer at the end.

unhappys10

Trip computers are a waste of time.
Plus the diesel being cold wouldn't help.

1.8 petrol, I'm going to guess its a Toyota? If so, their trip computers are probably the least reliable out there.

ferg01

Thanks. I should also have mentioned that I was in an '07 Audi A4.

unhappys10

ferg01 wrote: »

Thanks. I should also have mentioned that I was in an '07 Audi A4.

That turbo? The comparison with trip computers won't work, you'd be as well of to pick numbers out of the air.
Would have to have identical connditions, both warmed up etc.

ferg01

Thanks unhappys10, yes it's the turbo model.

I take the point on the exact same conditions, might just change and rely on the lower tax instead of lower consumption costs.

unhappys10

ferg01 wrote: »

Thanks unhappys10, yes it's the turbo model.

I take the point on the exact same conditions, might just change and rely on the lower tax instead of lower consumption costs.

It would all depend on your driving, is it mostly city or short spins? If so, a diesel probably isn't a good idea. You wouldn't really be getting into the economical zone unless you were going for long spins with not much stopping and starting.
Not to mention you'll run into mechanical problems with a diesel that isn't getting long runs, dpf etc which will wipe out some savings.
I'd look at the driving you'll be doing before deciding.
They come in a 2litre tfsi I think? Could be more suitable.

ferg01

unhappys10 wrote: »

It would all depend on your driving, is it mostly city or short spins? If so, a diesel probably isn't a good idea. You wouldn't really be getting into the economical zone unless you were going for long spins with not much stopping and starting.
Not to mention you'll run into mechanical problems with a diesel that isn't getting long runs, dpf etc which will wipe out some savings.
I'd look at the driving you'll be doing before deciding.
They come in a 2litre tfsi I think? Could be more suitable.

Thanks! I actually have a preference for the TFSI version but they're very hard to find in the spec I want without trekking to the UK (which I might end up doing).

In any case, my journeys are usually 25 - 50km in length with very little city driving although CV19 is throwing that into doubt.

bazz26

Driving a diesel car around the suburbs of Dublin and M50 is hardly going to get it at it's most frugal. You would get a more accurate reading by taking it for a long drive down the country on an open road.

ferg01

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I land on getting a petrol model from the UK...better spec again etc...

Thanks to all for the points above.

unhappys10

ferg01 wrote: »

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I land on getting a petrol model from the UK...better spec again etc...

Thanks to all for the points above.

Better off, if you have the money no point settling for less than you want.

BENDYBINN

If fuel consumption is your priority then an A5 is not for you..........

colm_mcm

BENDYBINN wrote: »

If fuel consumption is your priority then an A5 is not for you..........

Why?