Fuel Consumption.

[bokkie]

Guys, do you think we should get our iQ3 booked in for inspection or not? We've never enjoyed exceptional consumption and seldom do we get much better than 40-41 mpg. Yesterday, we went for a drive round some country lanes for half of the day and at the end of it the fuel consumption display never reached more than 41 mpg. Ok, I know that fuel consumption is a personal thing affected by many factors but neither my wife or I are boy-racers. Yesterday, our average speed was about 40-50 mph and there was no hard braking, rubber-burning acceleration or other excesses. We managed to stay in 5th gear quite a bit and 6th was never really an option like you'd have on a clear and level freeway. In fact, I reckon we are pretty well sort of Mr and Mrs Average. I know many of you get really decent consumption but I'm really disappointed with ours. Our car (1.3L engine) is not due for a service yet but if we book it in to have the consumption looked at, is there anything specific Mr. T could actually do to investigate it?

I'm pretty sure the display is relatively accurate because I used to maintain a log for petrol put in to the tank and seldom ever did it budge from 40 mpg. As I imply we are economical drivers and the mix of driving is maybe 55% urban cycle and 45% rural-ish. If it was stop-start like you might get in London, then fair enough, 40 mpg might be expected but all things considered I really think we should be getting better. My wife drives the car most of the time and the only additional weight in the car are the medical bits and pieces she needs when visiting patients, certainly nothing heavy. It's quite a puzzling concern we have. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?