Fiat 500 Twinair fuel economy
Discussion
I've been considering a 500 Twinair, pulled in by the idea of enough power to make the car nippy, but 68.9mpg on the combined cycle.
The problem is, Autocar have reported an average of 35.7mpg on their test. I test drove one t'other day, and (from cold, admitedly) only managed 37mpg. The car had only covered 600 miles from new.
Does anyone on here have any experience of running one of these? I know they're still very new, but has anyone found they loosen up with a few miles, and give better fuel economy?
The problem is, Autocar have reported an average of 35.7mpg on their test. I test drove one t'other day, and (from cold, admitedly) only managed 37mpg. The car had only covered 600 miles from new.
Does anyone on here have any experience of running one of these? I know they're still very new, but has anyone found they loosen up with a few miles, and give better fuel economy?
I know it's not a case of Fiat "claiming" a fuel economy figure; all new cars sold in Europe have to undergo an EU drive cycle test which determines the car's rating for Urban, Extra-Urban and Combined scenarios.
Car manufacturers calibrate engines and pick gear ratios with the intention of scoring well in these tests, as the results will have a direct impact on sales. Unfortunately a car that scores well in the EU drive cycle test may not give a good real-world fuel economy figure.
I was surprised though that the 500 Twinair differed so greatly from its official figure. I'm wondering if this is partly down to the engine having not yet been fully run-in.
Car manufacturers calibrate engines and pick gear ratios with the intention of scoring well in these tests, as the results will have a direct impact on sales. Unfortunately a car that scores well in the EU drive cycle test may not give a good real-world fuel economy figure.
I was surprised though that the 500 Twinair differed so greatly from its official figure. I'm wondering if this is partly down to the engine having not yet been fully run-in.
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