There are always posts on the MPG to expect from a Connect.
You could try checking out the new EU Tyre Labels on your next purchase, because this might be the answer to why some Connects are thirstier than others.
EU TYRE LABEL LAW - FOR ALL TYRES FROM 1ST NOVEMBER
1. Rolling Resistance (Classes A-C & E-G)
A class ‘A’ rated tyre gives a 7.5% improvement in fuel consumption over a ‘G’ rated tyre.
This calculates out at a saving of 6 Litres on an 80-litre tank using ‘A’ rated tyres for the same distance on ‘G’ rated tyres. This saving is linear throughout the 6 classes of tyres – so about 1.5% saving from one rating to the one below it.
To give some examples:-
A Connect (60-litre/13.2 gallon) tank which gives 46.5 mpg on ‘G’ rated tyres will have a range of 614 miles on a full tank ….. but a Connect on ‘A’ rated tyres will get 50.0 mpg on and a range of 660 miles
In effect the Connect’s 60-litre tank (13.2galls) becomes a 64.5-litre tank (14.2 galls)
By switching from ‘G’ rated tyres to ‘A’ rated tyres, at £1.45 a litre you can save £6.60 on each full tank of diesel.
On ‘G’ rated tyres - 10,000 miles at 46.5 mpg costs £1420
On ‘A’ rated tyres - 10,000 miles at 50.0 mpg costs £1320 - saving £100.
2. Wet Grip (Classes A – C and E – F)
The difference in braking distance can be up to 30% at 50 MPH – typically this is 18m between ‘A’ and ‘G’ rated tyres.
3. External Noise (3 bar levels, with a Decibel reading)
1 bar = at least 3 DB below future EU limit (rated at 68-69 Db)
2 bars = meets future EU limit (rated at 70-72 Db)
3 bars = meets current EU limit (rated at 73-75 Db)
Note: DB readings are a ratio not a scale. A tyre rated at ‘2 bars’ is twice as noisy as a tyre rated at ‘1 bar’.
Have a look at the ratings on replacement standard 195/65/R 15 Reinforced tyres from MYTRES.COM
http://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rshop. ... o_Seite=50
There are some really bad performers out there. BRIDGESTONE B390 and FIRESTONE MULTIHAWKS are terrible in the ratings, and are more expensive to buy too. Also, fatter tyres on low-profile tyres on 16" and 17" rims often give higher fuel consumption than the original tyre size.
I've got Michelin energysaver thingamabobs on my 11 plate 1.5 diesel Pug partner (don't ask) and it only does 40mpg. They also feel a bit twitchy too compared to the avons on my transit...
