Technical 120, 7 seater mpg...again

Currently reading:
Technical 120, 7 seater mpg...again

Joined
Apr 3, 2007
Messages
1,644
Points
346
Location
Somerset
I know I've gone on before about how terrible the mpg is on the 120-7 seater but I just did an 80 mile round trip with the rear seats out.
I normally average 37 mpg, this time I averaged 46mpg, and that was all on twisty country roads, including the famous zig zag hill in Dorset.
Those seats are very heavy but I didn't think it would make so much difference :eek:.
I didn't try to drive too carefully either, just drove in my usual way.
So my advice to anyone who has the 120bhp 7 seater is take the rear seats out untill you need them, it'll save a hell of a lot of money.
 
I dont think that the rear seats (third row) weight (around 35 kilos) save that much fuel !?
Maybe you drove more carefully or your trip computer "did" those savings...
 
How did you work out the mpg?

If you believed the onboard computer I'd take whatever it says with a huge pinch of salt.

If you brimmed the tank when you left and brimmed it again when you arrived back - 80 miles at 46mpg you will have put 7.9 litres back in, 80 miles at 37mpg you will have put 9.8 litres back in. 80 miles is such a relativley short distance I'd not read too much into it. You may get a far more realistic figure if you monitor the mpg over several tanks.

However I totally agree with you, that carrying unnecessary weight is to be avoided if at all possible. The weight costs you in fuel every time you accelerate and then costs you again in brake wear every time you brake to slow down.
 
And talking of weight, brimming the tank isn't such a good idea either - fuel is a very heavy item.
Rather than brimming the tank. I'd leave it at about a quarter full & take a few gallons of fuel in cans in the boot:D
 
I know I've gone on before about how terrible the mpg is on the 120-7 seater but I just did an 80 mile round trip with the rear seats out.
I normally average 37 mpg, this time I averaged 46mpg, and that was all on twisty country roads, including the famous zig zag hill in Dorset.
Those seats are very heavy but I didn't think it would make so much difference :eek:.
I didn't try to drive too carefully either, just drove in my usual way.
So my advice to anyone who has the 120bhp 7 seater is take the rear seats out untill you need them, it'll save a hell of a lot of money.

Rich it won't be the seats weight 80kgs is only like an average persons weight ( not mine unfortunately:D)

My cargo has always an extra 250kgs knocking around in it plus wife and child and I cannot get my 105bhp mjet below 45mpg has been that now for the past 5000miles!!!

still say its the fuel map and VG turbo on the 120bhp thats causing poor consumption.

try a remap to iron out the faults, manufacturers them selves issue ecu upgrades from time to time.

remember its the same engine block as the 1.9 105bhp just has a variable geometry turbo ,and DPF plus different fuel map etc to gain the extra horses.

can't see why they used a VGT for a measley 15 bhp extra when most remaps from all reputable agents can get an extra 40bhp from the fixed geometry turbo in the 105bhp unit.

Just an extra cost and more problems to go wrong.

I bet you find the power a lot higher up the revs don't you!!!!!
 
I bet you find the power a lot higher up the revs don't you!!!!!

that's very true, there's no power to speak of at low revs.

I could feel the difference in weight as soon as I drove off though. The car felt lighter and easier to handle.
I'm convinced the extra weight is the main cause of poor fuel consumption, not the extra power.
I'd like to know how a 7 seat 1.3 compares to the 5 seater as they are normally extremely economical... and not Fiat's figures, I mean 'real world' figures ;).
 
I'm convinced the extra weight is the main cause of poor fuel consumption, not the extra power.
I'd like to know how a 7 seat 1.3 compares to the 5 seater as they are normally extremely economical... and not Fiat's figures, I mean 'real world' figures ;).

I left the trip running and have doubled the mileage now...and I'm back down to 40 mpg...:eek:

not as much to do with weight as I thought, probably more to do with subconsciously driving more carefully...:eek:

might as well stick the rear seats back in then :rolleyes:.
 
Sorry for the delayed reply...just seen this.

Rich, I'm convinced its motorways that the 120hp hates. Mine is now on 14k miles and is getting slightly better, but only does 39mpg taking it very steady on the motorway. I did a long run on the A49 last week and it showed well over 50mpg.

I've done quite a few comparisons between brim to brim and the computer. The computer is pretty accurate. Slightly optimistic but good enough.
 
Back
Top