3.0 TDI A5 Real World Economy

[GruntyDC5]

I have recently moved house and now have a 60 mile round trip everyday for work. This means that my Impreza STI is no longer a suitable car for journeys to work. That daily mileage and all the other running about we do means I think I need to go diesel.

My other half and I share a commute so we are combining 2 cas into 1 and we have settled on the idea of an A5, or possibly A4. I would prefer to go down the 3.0 TDI route to retain a bit of performance but was wondering what MPG figures people are seening with them compared to what is quoted. At this stage still not sure how old the car will be but I am looking at around 2010-2012, I beleive there were some changes at 2012.

I am also considering the 2.0 TDI, which will also be quattro.

[GruntyDC5]

40-45 is what I am looking for. If it can comfortably do that then I'm likely to go down that route.

Anyone had both 177 2.0 engine and the 3.0? I assume the performance difference is quite noticeable.

[GruntyDC5]

I think the trade off between performance and economy is probably worth it going with the 3.0 over the 2.0.

[GruntyDC5]

All good info. My preference would actually be manual, and I won't be going over 19" wheels.

[GruntyDC5]

JNW1 said:

Not really a specific Audi point but personally I'd go for an auto with a diesel. You just don't drive a diesel in the same way as a petrol and IMHO an auto is better suited to the characteristics of a diesel engine; you won't be revving it out through the gears for the fun of it so better to have an auto to keep it in what is a relatively narrow power band and let the torque do the work!

Edited by JNW1 on Monday 11th August 22:26

Hadn't really considered that, I've always had manuals ( a few very high revving ones) and the only time I have ever driven autos is when I have been in the states with work. I assume the auto is also better suited to the 2.0.

[GruntyDC5]

mmm, Evora, I'll see if I can sell that to the other half!

I reckon we will be doing at least 22k a year with commuting, weeked driving, weekends away etc so I'm pretty sure diesel will make most sense. In a decent sized car at least that can hold a bit of luggage etc.

[GruntyDC5]

I borrowed a friends 2.0l petrol version a while back and it does seem to be a nice place to sit for the commute. Diesel version seems to tick all the boxes for what we want. Also keeps the missus happy because she is a badge snob!

[GruntyDC5]

No motorway or dual-carrigeway on the commute for me so no real constant speed which may make a bit of difference. Thinking of that though auto does make more sense.

[GruntyDC5]

roddyp said:

Same here : Nearest DC/Mway is nearly 30 (hilly) miles away. What MPG do you get from the Impreza at present?

Impreza doesnt do the commute. Before I only had 10 minute walk to work, but its depressing being that close. Never actually worked out MPG of Impreza but its running 360bhp and 400lb/ft torque (not that much compared to some, I know). I wont even be getting 20 I wouldn't have thought.

We are using the other halfs Fiat 500 twinair at the moment but its not the most pleasant place to sit on the commute and underpowered for when you do get stuck in a bit of traffic you want to clear, and considering what it is supposed to do MPG wise the current 40-45 is a bit of a joke. I can live with 40-45mpg in a car that isn't a Fiat 500. Although I do like the car it's not really suited to what it is now being used for.

So we would be getting rid of both if we go down A5 route. However now discussing keeping the Impreza and just replacing her car with diesel Golf/A3/ something similar. Just as long as its a bit bigger than 500.

Edited by GruntyDC5 on Wednesday 13th August 14:50

Edited by GruntyDC5 on Wednesday 13th August 14:51