S40 T5 economy (or lack of?)
S40 T5 economy (or lack of?)
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Blue Oval84

Original Poster:

5,396 posts

191 months

Wednesday 16th January 2013
quotequote all
Just a quick question whilst I try and get myself sorted with another motor, has anyone on here got a manual S40 T5?

If so, what economy are you getting around town and also on long steady motorway runs?

I'm assuming that apart from an obvious thirst, it's a bit like a much more premium version of Focus saloon, and has no major issues?

Thanks!

Timberwolf

5,374 posts

248 months

Wednesday 16th January 2013
quotequote all
I have one.

General driving around it's surprisingly good. I have to abuse it to get below 30mpg, although I should mention I don't do short trips so even if I'm just wandering around town it still gets fully up to temperature.

Long distance I don't see much improvement on that, though. Best I've seen is 37mpg being super-careful, 34-35 is more normal for a long motorway run though. Not bad really considering the engine, I think you get psychologically primed to expect more from such a small, ordinary-looking car. smile

Otherwise as you say, it's a Focus with a nice interior. Great to drive, seem to be fairly issue-free (alternators and wheel bearings apparently the bits to watch for) through dint of combining a reliable Volvo engine with proven Ford bits. I certainly like mine - although I should mention I held out a long time before finding (by chance, at a dealer just down the road) a manual with decent spec, condition and colour. For some reason flat burgundy T5s in basic 'S' spec seem to dominate the used market... stealthy, granted, but I feel a Volvo should at least have heated leather.

Blue Oval84

Original Poster:

5,396 posts

191 months

Wednesday 16th January 2013
quotequote all
That's roughly what I expected to be told. I think I'd probably prefer to nudge a bit closer to 40mpg but will see what I think of it.

So I guess you're pretty happy with your purchase then overall, which is reassuring smile

The one I've found is an SE in black, with a manual box. It has leather, but the ad doesn't mention if it's heated, I would hope it is!

ModernAndy

2,094 posts

165 months

Thursday 17th January 2013
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With an automatic box, these things will be pretty thirsty round town. I'm not sure if I've driven an s40/v50 T5 (I've certainly driven some of the more sedate models) but I have owned a T5 engined car with an auto and I was getting 15mpg in town a lot of the time. Just saying, manual is probably best.