[dijkstra]

It's is a ~2600km driven petrol na altroz in it's 10th month of possession - having been through two scheduled services. My driving routes are 60% highway, 30% city roads, and the rest are interior roads where you can rarely go above 10kmph avg. MID would typically show 13kmpl within the city and 15-16kmpl on highway trips - start to finish. Recently, I have noticed a drop in the MID reading. It hardly goes above 10-11kmpl in city. On a recent very sedate highway run, it showed 17kmpl but actually gave 13kmpl (tankful). I have also noticed a distinct lag in 2nd and 3rd in-gear acceleration lately. It's as if, beyond 2k rpm, the acceleration is not keeping up with the increase in rev and in general, feels weird - the engine noise and the car's speed don't seem to match up beyond ~2k rpm. The car seems to be struggling on inclines even in 2nd gear. Nothing else seems out of order - no CEL, engine temperature ok.

I track my fuel fill-ups on fuelio and this got me curious. I noticed that even in the past, in ~80% highway driven trips I have got about 13kmpl actual. The lag in acceleration in 2nd and 3rd gear, however, is completely new.

Weird as it may sound, ever since the mileage dropped in the MID, on two occasions I've noticed the turn indicators come on and off spuriously on their own for a sec - this has never happened before.

I visited the KB Motors (Kolkata) service center, their service GM performed a road test - and again the mileage came out at 12.95kmpl driven at 27kmph avg (mostly 4th and 5th gear). They say this is normal for an altroz - which I find hard to believe. They performed no diagnostics and only cleaned the spark plugs and the air filter. The lag beyond 2k rpm remains. At this point, I'm not sure how to proceed. If you have any suggestions regarding next steps please let me know. I'm also hoping other owners can help me out with their experiences regarding mileage.

Attaching screenshots from fuelio for ref.

[Dr.AD]

Originally Posted by dijkstra

It's is a ~2600km driven petrol na altroz in it's 10th month of possession - having been through two scheduled services. My driving routes are 60% highway, 30% city roads, and the rest are interior roads where you can rarely go above 10kmph avg. MID would typically show 13kmpl within the city and 15-16kmpl on highway trips - start to finish. Recently, I have noticed a drop in the MID reading. It hardly goes above 10-11kmpl in city. On a recent very sedate highway run, it showed 17kmpl but actually gave 13kmpl (tankful).

Given the driving conditions you mentioned (especially 10% of those interior roads where you can not even cross 10km/h; these roads are terrible for your mileage), I do not think your mileage is too low for a 1.2 NA petrol engine. The ARAI mileage for this car is 18.53km/l. Given that, and given your driving conditions, I would say what you get is more or less expected.

Such FE numbers are more or less usual for small NA petrol engines.I have never heard any 1.2 NA petrol engine giving anything significantly more than this in real-world driving conditions.

I have also noticed a distinct lag in 2nd and 3rd in-gear acceleration lately. It's as if, beyond 2k rpm, the acceleration is not keeping up with the increase in rev and in general, feels weird - the engine noise and the car's speed don't seem to match up beyond ~2k rpm.

You can surely get this checked and examined, but again, such lag is common in 1.2 NA petrol engines. These engines suffer from poor low-end and mid-range torque, and show their true weakness in 2nd and 3rd gears.

Weird as it may sound, ever since the mileage dropped in the MID, on two occasions I've noticed the turn indicators come on and off spuriously on their own for a sec - this has never happened before.

This is a separate issue and this you need to get sorted out. You should surely follow-up with the service center to get this examined and sorted out, but do not fret too much about the low FE.

[Shreyans_Jain]

The mileage seems to be about par for the driving conditions that you describe. It will be similar for most cars of a similar category. The only thing you can do is monitor your tire pressures periodically. You can pump in an additional 3-5psi over and above what it recommended if the fuel economy is really biting. Ride quality will suffer but fuel consumption will definitely reduce.

[Turbohead]

Originally Posted by dijkstra

I have also noticed a distinct lag in 2nd and 3rd in-gear acceleration lately. It's as if, beyond 2k rpm, the acceleration is not keeping up with the increase in rev and in general, feels weird - the engine noise and the car's speed don't seem to match up beyond ~2k rpm. The car seems to be struggling on inclines even in 2nd gear. Nothing else seems out of order - no CEL, engine temperature ok.

Can you get your clutch plates checked?

Also can you elaborate how you drive in those poor city roads? Are you forced to slip the clutch very often?

[dijkstra]

Originally Posted by Dr.AD

You can surely get this checked and examined, but again, such lag is common in 1.2 NA petrol engines. These engines suffer from poor low-end and mid-range torque, and show their true weakness in 2nd and 3rd gears.

True, however 2k - 4k rpm is the sweet spot for this engine - with a good bit of acceleration that I really used to enjoy - it's a boring engine otherwise. That punch is missing off late.

Originally Posted by Dr.AD

This is a separate issue and this you need to get sorted out. You should surely follow-up with the service center to get this examined and sorted out, but do not fret too much about the low FE.

Thanks for your advice. In my mind, I've noticed this happening only since I jumped a gap on the tarmac on a national highway - there was literally a portion on the road with no tarmac - exposed gravel - and a considerable bit of drop. Made the jump at ~70kmph and was quite the jerk. It was night time and I couldn't see it in time. This may or may not have caused it but just one of those misgivings.

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

The mileage seems to be about par for the driving conditions that you describe. It will be similar for most cars of a similar category. The only thing you can do is monitor your tire pressures periodically. You can pump in an additional 3-5psi over and above what it recommended if the fuel economy is really biting. Ride quality will suffer but fuel consumption will definitely reduce.

The rear right tyre does have a slow-ish leak - looses about 3psi every 100km. Currently, I just fill it up more often.

Originally Posted by Turbohead

Can you get your clutch plates checked?

Also can you recieve how you drive in those poor cut roads? Are you forced to slip the clutch very often?

I do plan to get the clutch assembly checked. I'm forced to stop and start more often than to slip the clutch to move slow. The road aren't bad as such, but congested.

[Dr.AD]

Originally Posted by dijkstra

Thanks for your advice. In my mind, I've noticed this happening only since I jumped a gap on the tarmac on a national highway - there was literally a portion on the road with no tarmac - exposed gravel - and a considerable bit of drop. Made the jump at ~70kmph and was quite the jerk. It was night time and I couldn't see it in time. This may or may not have caused it but just one of those misgivings.

OK, that is unfortunate. Please check the underbody and suspensions to make sure no damage is done. It is also possible that some wiring connection got loose in that incidence and that could be causing turn indicators coming on spontaneously. You should certainly get this checked carefully.

I do plan to get the clutch assembly checked. I'm forced to stop and start more often than to slip the clutch to move slow. The road aren't bad as such, but congested.

Given this start and stop pattern, there is all the more reason to say your FE seems normal. Also, 2600km is too low a running to damage the clutch, that too just by start and stop driving. Unless you have strong reasons to believe something is wrong (I do not see that from your description of the problems), do not open the clutch assembly unnecessarily. Your car is too new to suspect clutch problems and to open up the clutch assembly. This may introduce some unnecessary new problems.

I am usually wary of the mechanics opening unnecessary assemblies unless there is a strong evidence that something is indeed wrong.

[Nikhil Beke]

I must say I've been through the same dilemma few weeks back- whether my car has anything amiss-have logged similar concerns on Altroz iturbo thread few days back.
However, after discussing with SAs, fellow Altroz owners and valuable suggestions by fellow BHPians (Do refer to: "How to get maximum fuel efficiency"thread) https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/ownin...fficiency.html (ARTICLE: How to get the maximum Fuel Efficiency), this is what I figured out (I would be happy to stand corrected by esteemed members here, if any of my observations are incorrect)
1. Unlike Diesel engines, petrol (NA/turbo) are going to show big variance in FE in city/Highway traffic.
2. Engines need to warm up before they work efficiently- if most of your trips are <8kms each, you can't expect a great efficiency.
3. Does your car offer autoAC? Do you use it often? It tends to cool the entire cabin to the set temperature, which is quite a drag in terms of performance/fuel efficiency. Try setting desired AC fan speed for short runs/when you're driving alone.
4. Most importantly, don't lug the engine, seeking better FE- driving with one eye on the tachometer That is actually counterproductive, and would give you feeling of driving an underpowered engine(which this engine actually is, for the weight of the car).

Further, I suggest:
1. Check with a fellow Baleno owner with a similar driving pattern- you know the realistic figures to compare with (don't get disheartened further)
2. Do a long highway run: 100-odd kms and then check the FE. My iturbo gives 18-20kmpl on highways (fuelio figures).

The thread quoted above has enough ammunition for safe hypermiling: enjoy!

[Kosfactor]

~ 12 kmpl is good for a vehicle that weights ~ 1000 kgs and that engine. The turbo variant will see single digit when traffic is heavy. Not everything will treat petrol like a Maruti would , but you win some, you lose some.

Enjoy the car and please remember , the more you drive the better it gets - car as well as you. 2600 kms in 10 months , I don't think you should worry about fuel cost at all.

[GTO]

That engine is overworked in this car. Puny engines that are stressed never result in class-leading FE. That said, I think your numbers are decent for the weight of the car.

[SoumenD]

11kmpl from a 1.2L engine in Kolkata traffic is decent enough. I get that much from the Honda 1.2L iVtec in Bangalore. May I know what was your expectation? Did you believe the sales guy’s pitch who would have told 15kmpl+ while selling the car?

Petrol 1.2L engines from any brand realistically returns anything between 9-12kmpl in city depending on traffic conditions. Maruti might be a little better for obvious reasons. But rest are around that ballpark figure.

[shancz]

To give you a reality check about small petrol engines.

Our wagonR (2016) gives around 11-12kmpl in city with A/C and sedate driving, 14-15 without A/C, 17 kmpl on highways/empty city roads with minimal A/C.

This is in a car which weighs 870kgs powered by a 998cc NA petrol.
You are in a car which weighs 1040kgs powered by a 1199cc NA petrol.

Point being that your FE varies a lot on the traffic and load conditions which would need the engine to be revved higher to generate the required power and hence the more we press the gas the lower the FE drops.

Suggest to recheck your FE on highways.
The variance between your tankful and the MID isn't acceptable. I usually drive to at least half a tank before refilling to minimize errors while tanking up.

The mismatch between rpm and speed is usually the clutch but your car is too new to have that. But do try the same with A/C off and lesser loads to see how it behaves.

[shravansp24]

Also, in addition to the points added above, the total weight plays a good role. By any chance, is your car fully loaded (4 adults + boot)?

I, in my i10nios, with my mom and dad, driving sedately in Chennai traffic returned 13-14kmpl approx with the engine being happy and sweet.

But, when I travelled in the same traffic with my friends on a rare occassion (approx 80kgs x 4 (or) 5 including driver + often a full boot), I have noticed that the engine struggled alot with the weight and is extremely overworked due to the lack of torque and high gearing and returned ~10kmpl and I can feel the engine being unhappy and literally crying to build revs in the 2nd/3rd gear from ~30kmph.

[ron82x3]

Originally Posted by dijkstra

. I'm also hoping other owners can help me out with their experiences regarding mileage.

This is the Mileage of my 2017 Grand i10 Asta Petrol 1.2
You should expect similar mileage in your car. I have also driven the car mostly in Kolkata.


March
Date --> Km Driven --> Petrol Volume (in L)

• 3/3/18 -->463.4km --> 36.44l
• 19/3/18 -->411.8km -->32.39l(Rs. 2655)

Mileage: 12.72kmpl
Odo: 3719km

April

• 2/4/18 -->402.7km -->35.22l(Rs. 2694.30)
• 14/4/18-->427.2km-->33.16l(Rs. 2539.40)

Mileage:12.13
Odo:4552kms

May

• 11/5/18-->432km-->33.85(Rs. 2615.90)

Mileage:12.76
Odo:4984

June

• 3/6/18-->363.4-->31.15(Rs.2517.5)
• 16/6/18-->131.9-->12.12(Rs. 958.20)
• 24/6/18-->350-->26.99(2120)

Mileage:12.03
Odo:5740kms

July

• 21/7/18-->368km-->35.65(Rs.2829.2)

Mileage:10.32
Odo:6108kms

August

• 20/8/18-->362.7km-->37.9(Rs. 3050.99)

Mileage:9.57
Odo:6474kms

September

• 14/09/18-->326.5km -->32.54(Rs. 2708.30)

Mileage:10.03
Odo:6800

October

• 5/10/18-->261.7km -->28.77(Rs.2400)
• 22/10/18-->207.2km-->23.73(Rs.1967)

Mileage:8.93
Odo:7269km

November

• 20.11.18-->358.1km--> 32.15(Rs.2521)

Mileage:11.13

December

• 19.12.18-->389.0km-->Rs.2471.41(33.99Litres)

Mileage:11.47

• 21.12.18-->462.4km-->Rs.1954.62(28.12Litres)

Mileage:16.44

• 22.12.18-->453.3km-->Rs.2003.17(27.28Litres)

Mileage:16.61.

1. 25.12.18-->343.3km-->Rs.1831.97(25.12Litres)
2. 26.12.18-->509.5km -->Rs. 2326.14(33.82Litres)
3. 27.12.18-->211km -->Rs.923.3(13.44Litres)

Mileage:14.64



You can see, how the mileage drops during the monsoon.

July
19. 21/7/18-->368km-->35.65(Rs.2829.2)
Mileage:10.32KM/L
Odo:6108kms

August
20. 20/8/18-->362.7km-->37.9(Rs. 3050.99)
Mileage:9.57 KM/L
Odo:6474kms

You need not worry, even the power drop is due to the increase in rolling resistance of the tires which is more in a wet road.
I'd recommend to check your tire pressure once a week.
No need to worry about mileage, it's more than acceptable.

[PrasannaDhana]

That fuel efficiency looks pretty normal for the altroz 1.2

My grandparents have one and last time I checked, they were getting 11 kmpl. That is what happens when you drive a 1.1 tonne car with a weak petrol engine majorly inside city. As others have said, getting tyre pressure up might help a little, but honestly, I don't think it will be high enough to justify the sacrifice on ride quality.

[deathwalkr]

Err, am I missing something here? Where is the abysmal mileage mentioned?

I drive a Linea T-Jet so these numbers are like wow to me .