Ducato - Going from the 3.0 litre to the 2.3

[GMJ]

Hi

We recently changed our 2012 Comanche to a newer 2017 model and are very happy with it however there is a distinct and noticeable lack of oomph from the newer engine. This is especially noticeable on hills or even slight gradients where the speed drops and the dashboard screen advises me to change down. Both MH's are manual and both weigh the same. The older engine claimed 180bhp and the newer one 177 (now PS), I believe. NB the difference between BHP and PS is negligible.

On top of this on our recent trip away we only managed 23.7mpg against a minimum of 27mpg I would have expected with the older 3 litre.

The new one has only just done 5500 miles from new.

So my questions are...

Has anyone else moved from the older 3 litre to the newer 2.3 litre? If so I would welcome your thoughts on the performance you have noticed.

Can I expect better mpg as the engine 'loosens up'? Again, if any folks have had the 2.3 for a while, have you noticed any improvements?

Thanks

Graham

 

[jeffmossy]

I also had a 3ltr and brought a brand new 2.3 . I was the same as you thinking what have I done , but the looser the engine got the better the power got plus better mpg , as said previously dont drive it like a car , use the gears and don't let it drag , you will be pleasantly surprised how well it drives

 

[GMJ]

Thanks Graham

fyi I am using the computer figures on the dashboard for both my mpgs.

I only drive at 60mph on duals and motorways and 50 on single carriageways, which is as it was in the old MH. The size and weight of both MH's are constants too (old compared to new).

Graham

 

[GMJ]

Thanks Jeff

I am driving it as per the old one...and as said, certainly not like a car.

Graham

 

[Telstar]

I’ve gone from 3.0 PVC to 2.3 a class. The moment I drove it off the forecourt I noticed the difference and ever since have wished for my 3.0 back. But, it is a different van that requires a different driving style. I have the auto now, tamed it, but still call it all the names under the sun whilst it chuffs about deciding which gear to go for. Never set cruise control now at 60 unless I put it in manual. It’s up and down 2 gears constantly.

The new engine is supposed to be 20% more efficient. I don’t spend my trips trying to save fuel otherwise I wouldn’t have bought a big brick with a small engine.

Jon

 

[2cv]

I noticed a marked difference in the performance of my little Renault diesel turbo after about 10000 miles or so, much more flexible than when new.

 

[GMJ]

Thanks Graham

fyi I am using the computer figures on the dashboard for both my mpgs.

Graham

I do wonder if computer generated mpg would give the same reading as actual fuel used. I have never checked this and to be honest, can't be bothered. I just do it the old fashioned way.
[/QUOTE]

Of course you are right but as I am using the computer on each model, that remains a constant (notwithstanding they may have upgraded the trip computer).

I have also checked the torque figures and they apear to be the same across the 2 model years as well.

Graham

 

[GMJ]

I’ve gone from 3.0 PVC to 2.3 a class. The moment I drove it off the forecourt I noticed the difference and ever since have wished for my 3.0 back. But, it is a different van that requires a different driving style. I have the auto now, tamed it, but still call it all the names under the sun whilst it chuffs about deciding which gear to go for. Never set cruise control now at 60 unless I put it in manual. It’s up and down 2 gears constantly.

The new engine is supposed to be 20% more efficient. I don’t spend my trips trying to save fuel otherwise I wouldn’t have bought a big brick with a small engine.

Jon

Thanks

Both ours were/are manual.

Graham

 

[snapster]

We had a 2.2 Peugeot powered Autosleeper with gross weight of 3700kg (2013) which was regularly well loaded and although it was pretty gutless up steep hills, it had enough power to keep us at the highest speed limits easily. It claimed to return about 27mpg over the 22000 miles we kept it.
Next van was an RV with 6.5litre turbo diesel auto that was slower than our Autosleeper and returned about 15mpg
Now we have a Euro 6 2.3 litre 130. Gross weight is 3850, it’s taller and longer than our Autosleeper was, seems more powerful and returns around 27mpg.
Mileage now is a tad over 9000 miles and it is definitely smoother and a bit livelier than when it was new.
We don't race anywhere and keep off toll roads but it will quite happily sit at 70mph 110kmh all day.
Not really bothered with having to change down on long steep hills, but the faster you hit them, the less speed you lose and fewer change downs.