I achieved the highest reading of 30.8KMPL (but was able to click the highest as 30.7 in picture). I was able to maintain 30+ figures till the first 80 kms of the trip
BHPian saket77 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Had a few short highway runs and the City amazed me with some phenomenal FE figures. This engine is not only a super sprinter but with some patience, it is also extremely frugal. I know it is difficult to not have some fun with this 1.5L gem but still, this is another side of this machine and a big plus.
I achieved the highest reading of 30.8KMPL (but was able to click the highest as 30.7 in picture). I was able to maintain 30+ figures till the first 80 kms of the trip. After the 130 km trip, the FE settled at 29.3KMPL with a reduction of only 1 block in the fuel gauge out of the 10 blocks (each block is roughly 4 litres).
After the return trip, the car clocked a total of 261 kms while the final FE achieved was still a staggering 23 KMPL.
I didn’t practise hard core hypermilling- just some patience. If someone is interested, I will share some points of this drive:
– I started from Ranchi to Jamshedpur (solo) at about 5 am. Outside temperature was around 15-16 degrees and after some 5-6 kms, I turned off the AC but the blower was on throughout. AC was switched on only while nearing Jamshedpur. Say last 10-15 kms.
– Headlamps and foglamps were on till daylight broke. Stereo was on 100% of the time. I think it is important to highlight this point because newer cars use ELD (Electrical Load Detector) which turns off the alternator load when no significant electrical load on the system is detected. For eg. if you don’t have the headlamps/ AC/ Blower or the stereo on and if the battery health is fine, the car’s voltage will be around 12.6V only even with the running engine. This alternator break means there is no rotational resistance from the alternator as it is mostly ‘freewheeling’. So, in my case, alternator was not freewheeling else I think figures could have been even higher.
– I maintained speeds between 60-75KMPH. I did take a couple of breaks during the short drive and ensured to reach cruising speeds with gradual acceleration only.
– Tire pressure was 34psi. So, no overfilling at all.
– Never coasted in neutral. This is simply dangerous and a bad driving technique.
– Next morning, the return journey was with my wife and daughter with half boot of luggage. Normal acceleration, ACC on throughout, no breaks, maintained speeds between 70-85KMPH mostly.
The car is nearing the 1 year mark and is due for the 3rd service. No issues to report. Just the normal stuff as per schedule will be carried out. Hope for a smooth in and out experience at the ASC.
Thanks for reading! Will leave some pictures as testimony
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