Hi Folks,

My company wagon (Volvo V50 with 1.6 diesel engine) has suddenly increased its fuel consumption dramatically. I usually get around 49-55mpg but it has now dropped to around 39-45. Can't just be the cold weather? It won't cost me anything to fix it as the company will pay, but it's me that pays the fuel bill!! Any ideas what this might be due to?

Something else which might or might not be connected, is that the radiator fan is normally going full pelt when I stop and get out, even in the cold weather. Although the temp gauge sticks at mid point once its warmed up, so might not be thermostat.

Any ideas?

SR

(don't worry, not poaching, we have 2 Mk I fabias on the driveway for the missus and kids)

I`d say its just the cold weather and "winter" diesel having an effect tbh.

It's normal to see a big drop during the winter months for various reasons such as winter diesel additives to stop waxing plus cold air might be good for power but it also cause lots more aero drag on the car increasing consumption. My tdi 130 drops about 6 mpg in the winter. I once managed 70mpg on a long run in Europe with temps of 36 degrees as nice warm thin air works a treat for good economy.

Thanks Guys, we'll see how it goes!

Sounds like a DPF issue to me if the fans are running at full pelt if Volvos work in the same way as VAG at regenning....