RV FEATURE
FINAL RESULT
Upon returning to the Pakenham servo , I once again topped up the tank … and was gobsmacked by the difference in fuel consumption . The tripmeter claimed I had somehow travelled about 200m less during the second run , but I don ’ t view that as statistically significant in this case .
As it turned out , the MU-X consumed 15.49L for an average of 11.1L / 100km . Frankly , I was not expecting such a difference in fuel economy , but the numbers don ’ t lie . Travelling at predominantly 80km / h , compared to 100km / h , saved 4.81L of diesel .
At the time of my test , diesel was priced at $ 2.097 – a saving of $ 10.09 . Extrapolating that over 1000km , the saving would be over $ 100 .
But all of this is perfect-world stuff . It ’ s unlikely you ’ ll ever be in a position where you can safely travel at 80km / h for hundreds of kilometres on end , and if you ’ re in a position where you need to pinch every penny to reach a certain far-flung destination , it may be better to rethink your holiday spot .
Nonetheless , it ’ s proof of what we have all been told or experienced for ourselves to one degree or another : knocking off a bit of speed will improve fuel efficiency and save you money .
22.25L used over 139.8km averaged 15.91L / 100km .
RESULTS AT A GLANCE First Run Top speed : 100km / h Distance travelled : 139.8km Fuel consumption : 15.91L / 100km Second Run Top speed : 80km / h Distance travelled : 139.6km Fuel consumption : 11.1L
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