Although I'm not that bothered I still think it's stupid that here in the UK, fuel economy is listed as miles per gallon (mpg) which is not metric or easy to compute. Fuel is distributed and listed in litres for its cost, size of fuel tank and so forth but this then needs to be converted to gallons (UK nonetheless). I like the litres per 100 km units as used in continental Europe and would prefer to use this when making comparisons. What do you think?

I have also been comparing the average fuel consumption as indicated by the trip computer in my Octavia with its supposed actual consumption and I am a little disappointed that the two do not match. Over the last 1500 miles and handful of re-fuelling stops the trip computer tends to give a higher reading of fuel economy (in mpg) than that calculated by the actual amount of fuel put in and distance covered. Has anybody else been bothered to check this discrepancy and what is the reason for this?

The MPG is just a guide, as the fuel gauge isnt calibrated or that pricise it cant give a 100% accurate figure.

I like the litres per 100 km units as used in continental Europe and would prefer to use this when making comparisons. What do you think?

I'm one of a whole generation who think in miles and gallons, and will never change.

All our signs are in miles , so MPG is it.

As for the difference between trip computer and actual consumption , the margin of error seems to be the same as the speedo error , or about 5%

Mine seems to overestimate by around 2mpg around 4%. Close enough for me

If we're going down that road, then let's change everything to SI units, and put the speedo in metres per second.

I'm all for keeping everything British. My generation grew up being taught metric, yet having to live with imperial. Hasnt done any harm. When I walk I think in metres/km, when I drive I think in miles.

Those cars with trip computers showing mpg pretty much always have miles remaining, miles travelled, speed etc as well, so surely any calculation is unneccessary. The mpg figure is only really useful for comparing, be it to other days, other driving, or other cars.

My generation grew up being taught metric, yet having to live with imperial. Hasnt done any harm. When I walk I think in metres/km, when I drive I think in miles.

Me too, it's the best of both worlds

The mpg figure is only really useful for comparing, be it to other days, other driving, or other cars.

Agree completely. It's only really useful for early detection of problems with the car.