New C5

[mike_bngs]

Picked up my C5 yesterday, 08 model VTR+ 1.6 diesel. Any tips? It cruises great, but when you accelerate the mpg goes down the plug hole. Is this just large car, smaller engine? Is a re map worth it? I had a 110 Picasso previously that was riddled with faults and cost a fortune. Had it chipped the difference was nominal and had to get rid before it died, hence the C5.

[Johndouglas]

The C5 is a heavy car for a 1.6 engine.   Fuel consumption is bound to be high when pulling away.   Try to keep a light foot on the accelerator pedal.   If you've had a 1.6 engine before, you'll be aware of the fact that the turbo is a weakness in them.   Keep well up to date with oil changes with good quality oil and maybe even a flush at the same time.    I would think twice about a remap.    It good well be that in the not too distant future, an engine's original spec will be checked at MOT and any deviation from standard will be a fail and insurance perhaps, marked as illegal - unless the company is notified. 

[paul.h]

If the C5 1.6 hdi saloon kerb weight is about 1500 kg and the Picasso about 1300 kg, then if the engines have the same efficiency, the energy needed for the C5 will be about 15/13, or 15% more than the Picasso plus adjustments for drag, etc. The 1.6 hdi peak torque is given in the sales brochure at 1750 rpm, so with a diesel there is probably not much point in revving the engine too much above this to make good progress.

[john h]

May be a difference in gear ratios too