Hello all, I know there are some topics on here covering this sort of subject, but nothing that I can see that is specific to my query. 

 

I've been looking at getting a new car for my commute - it is around 75% motorway/dual carriageway and 25% on a nice B road, so pretty easy going, but 42 miles each way, so I do 84 miles per day. 

 

I'm looking only really for economy - but have seen articles suggesting that the 2.0 diesel is better for motorway miles rather than the smaller 1.6, but that economys the same, and there seems to be mixed messages. 

 

Does anyone have any experience/what would you recommend for me? My overriding requirement is MPG - I tend to trundle along so power and handling isnt really important. 

 

Many thanks!

 

The 1.6 will do the job just fine if you trundle along.

Mine is the VRS TDi and is mapped. I easily get over 60mpgs on the motorway. I would find a good example of each engine size and take it for a drive. That way you can decide which you prefer.

2.0 is definitely less taxed than a 1.6 and you may also find that 2.0s are better specced. Certainly the bigger engine would be the way I'd go. Road tax is close on each too. My pre 2018 2.0 was £35/yr tax and anything after that would all be £145 regardless of engine so there really isn't a need for the smaller engine unless doing a lot of town driving. But then you wouldn't be looking at diesels.

2.0l, if only for extra "get out of trouble" muscle.

Having had both I would opt for a 2.0 rather than a 1.6 , the extra grunt from the 2.0 is very nice to have in everyday driving , makes for far more relaxing driving . The extra grunt ( approx  ) 40 horses means that keeping up with other traffic is a doddle unlike the 1.6 .        The extra grunt when I want to boot it is even better, the bonus ( for me ) is the fact  the 2.0 is better on fuel than the 1.6.

I found that with a mix of driving the 2.0 was on average anywhere between 2 & 5 mpg better than the 2.0 .

Are you considering a manual or DSG?

 

Dependent on what age car you're looking at, the 2.0 may have the six speed DQ250, whereas the 1.6 may have the seven speed DQ200.  The DQ250 is generally considered to be the more robust and reliable of the two units.

 

Irrelevent if you're going for a manual of course.

 

Gaz

 

Against what has been said so far (including me) a mapped 1.6 could be a good option if remapping is your thing. Should get 145 out of a 1.6 with a nice smooth torque curve. Should then offer comparable economy to the 2.0 but with probably a better application of the power. My 2.0 was full to drive until I got it mapped. Wasn't a huge increase in power but the delivery was far nicer.

I do roughly the same kind of drive as yourself, i was in a 1.4 tsi 150 bhp, averaged 45 mpg. Really good drive, dont discount it.

I’ve been driving a 2.0 TDI for about 9 months, similar commute too. On average 64mpg over the last 3k miles. Previously had a DSG (same size engine) which was 58-59 on average

 

the lower tax on cars up to 2017ish is worth another 7-800 miles or so based on current prices so worth considering too

2 hours ago, MarkyG82 said:

Against what has been said so far (including me) a mapped 1.6 could be a good option if remapping is your thing. Should get 145 out of a 1.6 with a nice smooth torque curve. Should then offer comparable economy to the 2.0 but with probably a better application of the power. My 2.0 was full to drive until I got it mapped. Wasn't a huge increase in power but the delivery was far nicer.

 

Yes, my 1.6 is mapped to around 145HP, would recommend, much better power delivery and doesn't seem to "run out of steam" higher up in the rev range as quickly as it used to. Have also calibrated the in-car MPG readout and get an easy 60MPG (previously would've reported 70MPG before calibration) at motorway speed limits.

2.0 TDI with DSG here until next month (it's currently up for sale in classified subforum).

 

50-"70" mph most of my time with it. At 70 and a bit higher at "70" it doesn't have any problem or feels lacking power. It can comfortably cruise at 70mph. Although the car feels less confident at "70" than my previous 2006 Mercedes C220 coupe. Fuel economy also falls off from 70 and upwards.