Skoda poor mpg

[Derk51]

I have a '59 plate Fabia 1.2 HTP2 (from new) which, with mixed driving, has given me 42 mpg - is that good or bad? However, recently ( last 2 months) in the morning the blue temp. light ( no temp. gauge) takes a long time to go " off " and I' ve only been getting 35 mpg.So does that mean that the engine isn't warming up properly? The service manager at the dealers doesn' t seem very interested but I want to get it sorted out.There' s 18 months of the warranty still remaining.
Thanks for any suggestions.

[jd_1984]

Huh - just answered this one?

[Derk51]

Sorry jd_1984, there seemed to be a problem posting the question first time.

[jd_1984]

Incase you didnt get it, my advice is get it checked dont get "fobbed off" by dealership!

[Derk51]

Thanks. I'd like to be in a position where I can say to the Service Manager - is it this or is it that? Hope you know what I mean- ie " knowledge is power !"

[jd_1984]

Yes, agreed, however - you as the customer have a concern (without being in the position of knowing the exact cause). A 1200cc modern efficient engine should not be recording that MPG unless you floor it in 2nd gear all over town! Added to that the temp light, it sounds like there is a potential issue. I just drove home in "stop/start" traffic in a 2.7 diesel at an average MPG of 37.7

[gingejbee]

Could it be the very cold temps we've had recently that is making the system slower to reach "normal" operating temps - this would, of course, affect overall mpg. Now that weather is warming-up (ish!) , are things improving?
It's unusual for Skoda dealers to be off-hand; their after-sales is usually top-rated.

[Derk51]

No,it's not because of the cold weather- where I live has been quite mild inthe last 6 weeks.Thanks anyway jd_1984 andgingejbee