fun cars over 2000cc c35mpg

[djglover]

OK, looking for a change. Currently driving a BMW 330i, new car must have 4 seats, capable of around 35mpg and most importantly over 2000cc, so no 1999cc cars. This is because its a company car alternative and the milage rate is 26p over 2L.

Oh and must be fun, so no barges

Options so far I can see

Volvo C30 T5
Audi A3/4 3.2
BMW 335i
Ford Focus ST

What am I missing

[kambites]

An idea of budget might help. New or second hand?

[TameRacingDriver]

djglover said:

What am I missing

That none of them will actually get 35 MPG in the real world? (Queue a 330 owner coming on here claiming he gets 40 MPG whilst driving like he stole it).

[Monty Python]

BMW 335d (unmapped :-))

[Chicane-UK]

TameRacingDriver said:

That none of them will actually get 35 MPG in the real world?

Indeed.. I considered a Focus ST prior to getting an Octavia VRS but the fuel economy figures were too horrifying to contemplate.

I think you're going to need to set your sights a little lower if you want an easily achievable 35MPG.

[djglover]

Budget up to 15K

the BM I'm driving does get 35mpg, my weekly commute is Leeds > Surrey on the M1. If it can average 35mpg over that, thats fine. However I expect the combined average to be much worse than 35mpg on any of the above yes..

[kambites]

You wont get 35mpg from a Focus ST (and probably the C30 will be the same); the BMW is probably capable of it if driven gently; I have no idea about the Audi but the VR6 in the A3 is not the most efficient of lumps in most applications.

The 130/135i might be worth considering too.

Edited by kambites on Tuesday 15th January 11:14

[tim2100]

A blown 2.5L Volvo engine is going to be nowhere near 35mpg.

What about a 130/135? (budget depending)

[Caulkhead]

djglover said:

This is because its a company car alternative and the milage rate is 26p over 2L.

I'm guessing the amount they pay per mile for below 2000cc is less? It's not really relevant though is it because whatever they pay you can claim the balance up to 45p per mile for the first 10000 miles with a P87 form from the HMRC. Will you be doing more than 10000 business miles per annum in it?

[300bhp/ton]

djglover said:

Budget up to 15K

the BM I'm driving does get 35mpg, my weekly commute is Leeds > Surrey on the M1. If it can average 35mpg over that, thats fine. However I expect the combined average to be much worse than 35mpg on any of the above yes..

You BMW does 35mpg indicated on the m-way or it truly averages 35mpg?

A Monaro on the motorway is capable of 28-31mpg, but this will drop once you are no longer cruising.

[djglover]

for that run 35mpg is normal, for my weekend driving 22mpg is very optimistic, make no mistake!

[djglover]

Caulkhead said:

you can claim the balance up to 45p per mile for the first 10000 miles with a P87 form from the HMRC. Will you be doing more than 10000 business miles per annum in it?

Not quite, you can claim 40% of the difference, which does close the gap somewhat yes, but it still works out better.

I have done both the maths and the man maths, and the man maths especially says get another 3l car

[Lee540]

Drove to London from Cornwall in my BMW 330Ci like a saint, never once saw indicated mpg above 33. When calculated it was more like 27.

[ajb85]

What sort of mpg do the turbo Audi S3s put out?

[Lee540]

ajb85 said:

What sort of mpg do the turbo Audi S3s put out?

Really bad!! Like 20's

[kambites]

Lee540 said:

ajb85 said:

What sort of mpg do the turbo Audi S3s put out?

Really bad!! Like 20's

Aren't the less than 2000cc, too?

[300bhp/ton]

djglover said:

for that run 35mpg is normal, for my weekend driving 22mpg is very optimistic, make no mistake!

How about a 2.5 litre Subaru of some kind?

[djglover]

Ah yes, forgot about the legacy Bspec

Shocking fuel consumption, but worth a look

I'm also adding a 550i to the list :-)

[jbsportstech]

Sme focus st' s change hands fast, not because there not a good car but the mpg can scare the hell out some people. Don't expect to average over 30mpg as haven't met an owner yet who would claim that. I certainly struggle to squeeze more that 32 being very gentle.

[ajb85]

kambites said:

Lee540 said:

ajb85 said:

What sort of mpg do the turbo Audi S3s put out?

Really bad!! Like 20's

Aren't the less than 2000cc, too?

Bugger, they're a smidge under 2000cc. Although Parkers quote 33mpg average and 60 in 5.6! Impressive, I've been looking at 5.5 litre V8 Mercedes with the same performance figures.