Is there a fun, petrol car that will do a genuine 40mpg?
Discussion
In a very similar position myself and concluded the best route is either a small hatch or a diesel. Can get 40mpg out of my current E46 3 series but it's particularly boring!
My shortlist is coming down to Alpina D3, 330d, 159 JTDM or the turbo Fiesta / Mito. Haven't found much else which ticks the boxes. Would love an elise/vx but unfortunately usually need more space to lug stuff about at the weekend.
My shortlist is coming down to Alpina D3, 330d, 159 JTDM or the turbo Fiesta / Mito. Haven't found much else which ticks the boxes. Would love an elise/vx but unfortunately usually need more space to lug stuff about at the weekend.
cwoodsie2 said:
In a very similar position myself and concluded the best route is either a small hatch or a diesel. Can get 40mpg out of my current E46 3 series but it's particularly boring!
My shortlist is coming down to Alpina D3, 330d, 159 JTDM or the turbo Fiesta / Mito. Haven't found much else which ticks the boxes. Would love an elise/vx but unfortunately usually need more space to lug stuff about at the weekend.
Turbo Mito shares the engine with mine. It won't do 40mpg unless you daisy it, up an empty motorway at 60. 35 is do-ableMy shortlist is coming down to Alpina D3, 330d, 159 JTDM or the turbo Fiesta / Mito. Haven't found much else which ticks the boxes. Would love an elise/vx but unfortunately usually need more space to lug stuff about at the weekend.
VolvoT5 said:
I wouldn't have thought there are many (any?) 'fun' cars that will do a genuine 40mpg... especially not while you are actually having 'fun'.
But I love these types of threads anyway... usually full of people claiming they can get 45mpg out if their 4.0 V8 barge, "on a run" of course.
My Mk3 MR2 does around 40mpg, but doesn't meet the OP's requirement of less than 5 years old...But I love these types of threads anyway... usually full of people claiming they can get 45mpg out if their 4.0 V8 barge, "on a run" of course.
entropy said:
If you're not overly fussed by performance I'm getting 40mpg in mixed driving in Celica 140, 44mpg on motorway and that's from sticking to NSLs.
190 Celica will get you in the high 30s.
I have a 190 and can confirm this; I get 40 from mine on the motorway just by sitting at 70. Barely drops to 35mpg while hooning190 Celica will get you in the high 30s.
Ecosseven said:
Seat Ibiza od Leon 1.4 ACT. Claimed 60MPG so I would imagine a genuine 45MPG is achievable in mixed driving. 140-150PS in a relatively light car so quick enough to be fun
The A1 has the same 150 engine as well and is a pretty good steer - enjoyed it slightly more than the Swift although it is a bit heavier - anyway, did well over a true 40 on a run through Welsh mountains ( although the computer is an optimistic liar! ) thatguy11 said:
entropy said:
If you're not overly fussed by performance I'm getting 40mpg in mixed driving in Celica 140, 44mpg on motorway and that's from sticking to NSLs.
190 Celica will get you in the high 30s.
I have a 190 and can confirm this; I get 40 from mine on the motorway just by sitting at 70. Barely drops to 35mpg while hooning190 Celica will get you in the high 30s.
here
s m said:
Ecosseven said:
Seat Ibiza od Leon 1.4 ACT. Claimed 60MPG so I would imagine a genuine 45MPG is achievable in mixed driving. 140-150PS in a relatively light car so quick enough to be fun
The A1 has the same 150 engine as well and is a pretty good steer - enjoyed it slightly more than the Swift although it is a bit heavier - anyway, did well over a true 40 on a run through Welsh mountains ( although the computer is an optimistic liar! ) Quick & smooth but use the performance & it destroys economy. I drive like a granny most of the time!
Another vote for S3 Elise, (30k budget is rather generous!). From owners and those who have driven them from s1s,s2s etc, they are meant to be a lot more inhabitable than one might think.
If four seats are needed however GT86 would be a great choice, or one that hasn''t been mentioned the Last Gen Clio RS200. Meant to be ace to drive, look rather sweet, and I would assume from the stats they would fit the 40 on a run criteria, but would be worth asking owners to see if they can reach it rather than just mid 30s.
I climbed in the back of a modern ST recently, I sit rather close to the wheel given my leg length, but the room in the back was still rather minimal with the drivers seat in my position. So unless you really need the spare seats for kis, I''d go for the elise or coupe over the little hatches as you may find that the extra ''practicality'' is a little misleading! . Boot sizes might be worth a check though.
If four seats are needed however GT86 would be a great choice, or one that hasn''t been mentioned the Last Gen Clio RS200. Meant to be ace to drive, look rather sweet, and I would assume from the stats they would fit the 40 on a run criteria, but would be worth asking owners to see if they can reach it rather than just mid 30s.
I climbed in the back of a modern ST recently, I sit rather close to the wheel given my leg length, but the room in the back was still rather minimal with the drivers seat in my position. So unless you really need the spare seats for kis, I''d go for the elise or coupe over the little hatches as you may find that the extra ''practicality'' is a little misleading! . Boot sizes might be worth a check though.
Fantuzzi said:
Another vote for S3 Elise, (30k budget is rather generous!). From owners and those who have driven them from s1s,s2s etc, they are meant to be a lot more inhabitable than one might think.
If four seats are needed however GT86 would be a great choice, or one that hasn''t been mentioned the Last Gen Clio RS200. Meant to be ace to drive, look rather sweet, and I would assume from the stats they would fit the 40 on a run criteria, but would be worth asking owners to see if they can reach it rather than just mid 30s.
I climbed in the back of a modern ST recently, I sit rather close to the wheel given my leg length, but the room in the back was still rather minimal with the drivers seat in my position. So unless you really need the spare seats for kis, I''d go for the elise or coupe over the little hatches as you may find that the extra ''practicality'' is a little misleading! . Boot sizes might be worth a check though.
I can confirm that the last gen Clio 200 are fun, a lot of fun. They are however thirsty! The most I got was 36 mpg on the motorway driving at a constant 60. I averaged about 27 mpg in mine.If four seats are needed however GT86 would be a great choice, or one that hasn''t been mentioned the Last Gen Clio RS200. Meant to be ace to drive, look rather sweet, and I would assume from the stats they would fit the 40 on a run criteria, but would be worth asking owners to see if they can reach it rather than just mid 30s.
I climbed in the back of a modern ST recently, I sit rather close to the wheel given my leg length, but the room in the back was still rather minimal with the drivers seat in my position. So unless you really need the spare seats for kis, I''d go for the elise or coupe over the little hatches as you may find that the extra ''practicality'' is a little misleading! . Boot sizes might be worth a check though.
acme said:
s m said:
Ecosseven said:
Seat Ibiza od Leon 1.4 ACT. Claimed 60MPG so I would imagine a genuine 45MPG is achievable in mixed driving. 140-150PS in a relatively light car so quick enough to be fun
The A1 has the same 150 engine as well and is a pretty good steer - enjoyed it slightly more than the Swift although it is a bit heavier - anyway, did well over a true 40 on a run through Welsh mountains ( although the computer is an optimistic liar! ) Quick & smooth but use the performance & it destroys economy. I drive like a granny most of the time!
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