HDI 90 and poor economy

I have always prided myself on getting good economy from all the vehicles I
have owned, but the current 2001 Xsara estate HDI 90 seems to be the
exception.

OK I have only had it for three weeks, but the fuel consumption has ranged
from 47 to just under 50 mpg. Given that this engine is supposed to be more
frugal than the XUD9 td, I had hoped for rather better.
(My 405 td estate used to give 47 mpg, four up with luggage cruising at up
to 80).

My calculations are based on mileage plus fuel used, not any kind of in car
computer reading.

The car has done 40,000 miles now, and was last serviced by Citroen main
dealer at 36k. The air filter is certainly clean and the oil filter looks
new.

I have put through one dose of injector cleaner, and blown out the cat with
compressed air which did dislodge some crud. But still, no matter how gently
I drive, I cannot better the 50 mpg barrier.

Is there anything else I can try, apart from giving my local main dealer a
blank signed cheque (which I can't afford to do anyway)?

Or have I just got the Friday afternoon model which Jean-Paul put together
after too heavy a lunch?

All suggestions gratefully received.

Brian.

 

Sounds about right for a HDi 90, or that's what mine does anyway.
What sort of figures were you expecting?
My old TD 406 couldn't manage anything like that.

 

What is your average legnth journey? The HDI takes a lot longer to warm up
than the XUD.

Remember, the Xsara weighs more than the 405 due to all the modern safety
features and crumple zones etc.

I'd be happy with 45-50mpg, but would expect a little more. My C5 HDI 110
averages around 44-45 mpg.

Perhaps an hour or two with the dealer and things will be better?

Have you checked the tyres and are you using best diesel? I prefer Shell
Diesel Extra in my HDI.

 

Get it chipped up to 110-120 bhp Much better drive and better fuel
consumption 55 + also visit
http://www.citroenpicasso.org.uk/forum/index.php?
John

 

I think you would find the 110 will get better MPG because you don't have
to work it as hard. As another poster pointed out, modern cars are heavier
and therefore you are less likely to get better MPG from a similar engine
when comparing to an older car.

I'd be pretty happy with 47-50mpg tho! Is that not in-line with what
Citroen
quote? I doubt they would be concerned about anything being wrong with
the figures you are getting.

My XUD engine'd Xantia does about 44 on a run, even when reasonably gentle,
which seems to be about the same as everyone else. I'd be amazed to get any
more out of it.

Not sure where you are, but we have an excellent Citroen specialist in
Bristol - AP Autocare www.apautocare.co.uk they were independent,
but have now joined the Citroen approved dealers network, but that
does not mean they are now as useless as Citroen dealers are!! You
could give them a ring, they are very good. I think it is Dave who I have
dealt with and he was really helpful, but don't quote me on that name as it
is off the top of my head!

Matt.

 

It is. Most of my driving is in heavy traffic or at 75 on the M62. It does
50 on a good run.

 

Most of it has been in the region of 100 miles. Motorways and deserted
French D roads - dead straight as far as you can see. But at legal speeds.
Agreed that the HDI takes longer for the temp guage to register, but I get
seem to get warm air from the heater about as soon as with the XUD.

The Xsara unladen weight is 1250Kg, from memory the 405 estate was over
1300. Plus I was comparing a run in the 405, four up plus luggage, whereas I
have never had more than one passenger in the Xsara. At constant speed,
above 50, wind drag has far more effect than weight and the Xsara is the
smaller car.

It's that little bit more I am looking for. The official figure is 51.4
overall, and I know from experience that with my driving style I can
normally improve on the "official" figures.

Trying to check all the possible alternatives first. I have never had much
faith in dealers. Change everything in sight until it comes good.

Not rapeseed oil then????? ;-)
Tyres are new, and I am always careful to check that they are at the correct
pressure.
I will try an alternative brand of fuel though. I am in Surrey, and a friend
who is in the fuel business assures me that all fuel sold around here comes
from one depot near Heathrow. He claims that this type of sharing is
commonly used in the industry to keep costs down. Whether he is right or
not, I couldn't say.

I'm not going to give up yet, thanks for the response.
Brian.

 

Almost exactly what SWMBO gets from her 307 HDi.
Dave