Official mpg tests usually favour manual gearbox versions of cars rather than their automatic cousins – and indeed that is the case for the A180 CDI lower down this car’s range.
But the A200 CDI auto we’re driving posts the better combined 65.7mpg (vs. 62.8mpg for the manual) courtesy of a much more frugal urban 56.5mpg (vs. the manual’s 51.4mpg) and despite the auto’s extra-urban 70.6mpg being pipped by the manual’s 72.4mpg.
Real-world auto mpg has improved on some longer, mixed jaunts lately too, hitting the heady heights – for this driver at least – of 65.6mpg.
It’s been a pleasant surprise.