Mileage Challenge 5.4: The Results

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In stark contrast to MotorWeek’s observed numbers — they got 36.2 mpg in a stick-shift tester — our Jetta TDI reported a most impressive 47.0 mpg in trip-computer mileage. That’s far better than even the car’s 40-mpg highway rating, and we didn’t drive any differently than we normally do.

Then came the fill-up. We thought there might be something wrong with the TDI’s pump when it clicked off at 5.60 gallons. After all, the Insight had taken 6.31 gallons, and its trip computer reported 53.7 mpg. Data editor Matt Raskin clicked the diesel pump off twice. No dice — the TDI was full.

The pump calculations worked out to an even more astonishing 56.5 mpg – just 1 mpg short of the 50-mpg-rated Prius, and nearly 10 mpg better than the TDI’s trip computer reported.

Go figure — and go VW. We’ve heard of similar outsized results from TDI owners, but now we have some of our own. Color us impressed.

Route Notes

Leg 1: 69˚ F, partly cloudy
Traffic: Medium (5/10)
Heading: NNW, no wind
Average distance: 83 miles
Average speed: 32.25 mph

Leg 2: 70˚ F, partly cloudy
Traffic: Light (2/10)
Heading: NNW, 4 mph tailwind (from S)
Average distance: 71.5 miles
Average speed: 58.75 mph

Leg 3: 70˚ F, partly cloudy
Traffic: Light (2/10)
Heading: SSE, no wind
Average distance: 74.5 miles
Average speed: 56.5 mph

Leg 4: 73˚ F, partly cloudy
Traffic: Medium (5/10)
Heading: SSE, 3 mph crosswind (from ENE)
Average distance: 84 miles
Average speed: 43.75 mph

Previously
Mileage Challenge 5.3: Dizzying Displays
Mileage Challenger 5.2: Avenues and Interstates
Mileage Drive 5.1: Hybrids vs. Diesel