I Drive for a living, fuel economy is the new "it word", for reaching the impossible government CO2 targets for industry, so I know a fair bit about how to drive the most economical way whilst making progress. The SD will be better than the cooper D on fuel, or I'll eat my hat. More torque, less throttle, faster progress, I'm expecting HIGH 40's/low 50's from my ALL4 SD. (got 72mpg from a BMW 320 coupe on a 420 mile trip once and that was driving at between 55 -70 mph and was keeping up with the flow of the traffic, the coupe is very good on aero, unlike the Countryman).
SD should = fun and economy if you understand how to drive properly, you don't have to drive slowly at a pedestrian pace, good observation and get off the throttle when you don't need it, don't brake when all you need is to lift off early, check your tyre pressures are correct and check every week. I bet I could get most of you up by atleast 5mpg if I spent an hour with you
). At first you'll find it quite difficult to concentrate on you driving (most people don't really think that much about their driving, just do it like a robot, on autopilot) it takes alot of skill and concentration to drive for hour after hour driving properly.
It is very difficult to get what the factories specify the car is capable of, unrealistic for most, but not impossible. The fuel test is done on a rolling road, no wind resistance, for a very short distance in a manner that is completely devoid of reality. The only useful info it provides is, that every car is tested the same way, so good for comparison. Also, remember it will get better as the engine, gearbox and drivetrain bed in. The most important factor in fuel consumption is, the Driver. You should realise an average, of the Urban figure, except on decent length runs when it should be alot higher. Please don't take this as an insult, I don't mean to offend anyone, hope you all have fun in your new cars, life is all about having fun and learning something new every day
) .
P.S. I don't work for , or in the motor trade.
P.P.S. my CM is on its way :whblack: