Anyone with a 1.6 Diesel?

[EdmundIJones]

Hi,

I do a lot of miles these days and my 2.0cc is getting a real world average of 35MPG which I'm happy with. However, given that I do 200 miles a day 4 days a week in her I've worked out that I could save a lot of money by either going for an LPG conversion or just buy a Diesel version.

LPG conversion would cost around £1250 to do and I'd end up getting an equivalent saving of around 50-55MPG which is good, however I'd loose what little space there is in the boot and end up with a smallish LPG tank.

The alternative is to consider a 1.6 Diesel model, I only realised a few days ago that they advertise 57MPG officially on a combined cycle. As my 2.0 is advertised as 35MPG and that's what it really hits I'm happy to believe this based on the roads I travel on (mainly big A roads and motorway).

Can anyone with a 1.6 Hdi confirm what range they get-out of a tank of diesel? I'm guessing it's around 500miles before the red light comes on, it not a little more. I'd like to hear some-real world experience though. My only other concern is the power, I've got used to 136BHP and 0-6 in 9 seconds, the Diesel is a little slower but has a lot more torque, is it still a "fun" car to drive? I've had other diesels such as our big plodding Volvo XC90 and although it's a very heavy car it goes surprisingly well.

Any opinions on the Diesel? I'm looking at a yearly saving of around £2300 by simply switching. Ignoring the servicing and buying other peoples problems issues.

Thanks
Ed

[Gym.Hodgson]

Hi Ed,
I've an oil burner and currently get around 64mpg on a mixed terrain A road 19m+19m commute between Malton & York City centre; that's when I can get the car off the wife! She commutes around the county on B roads, varying from 12m to 80, & gets 60mpg...roof down!
So yeah you're looking at around 515m in the tank.
Hills? - no problem.
We also have a '10 Fiesta 1.6s avg. 59/60mpg and a 1.5 '05 Clio (86bhp/148torqs) which 'frugal' son got up from my 63mpg, to a coasting 76mpg (I'm sure he drove a tractor in a previous life!)

Life could be worse - we did look at a Tigra Diesel... 72bhp/102torqs LOL

Pat.

[EdmundIJones]

Thanks Pat,

What is overtaking like? does it pull well or are you that bit unsure always?
Also can you tell me what sort of RPM it does when doing 80 for example (not that any of us ever do this on public roads).

Thanks

[Gym.Hodgson]

it's a bit subjective - the old overtaking... the 206 is the 'nippiest' car I've owned especially in that crucial 50-70 range: where most overtaking happens. I really do love smoking 'bigger' petrol cars on uphill (dual carriage) overtakes!
RPM - from what I can remember(!) being an oil burner 'n that, I think it was only around 2750 (just under 2.2k at 60mph & 2.45k at 70mph)

You really need to have a test drive before buying though.

Pat.

[EdmundIJones]

Thanks for this, very useful.
I will of course go for a test drive but just trying to-do some background research first.

[Gym.Hodgson]

Just edit'd the rpm!

Rain meant #1 son ditched the 600 Bandit & got the Clio, #2 son the Feisty, the wife walked to work and I got the Pug...