[Alfaromeo2]

I have noticed something really odd lately.
The car seems to use less fuel in dynamic than normal
I haven't actually done an mpg to compare, has anyone??

 

[Jamie28]

i tend to find this, maybe because you dont need to put the happy pedal down as far?!

 

[Cartier23]

I think that is because of more torque.

 

[Alfaromeo2]

So if this is the case what is the benefit to driving in normal mode??
Why not leave it in D all the time

 

[ScoobySB]

I haven't done a calculation, but I know I have more fun when in "D" so I suspect the fuel is being used a bit quicker....

 

[xxxxxxmpw2081]

must be fun, just ordered mine coming in November 2011

 

[Alfred TI]

I have noticed something really odd lately.
The car seems to use less fuel in dynamic than normal
I haven't actually done an mpg to compare, has anyone??

I have spotted this too.
I also notice when the instant consumption display that when you come off the throttle the 99mpg appears quicker than when you do it in N.

 

[Guest]

I wondered when someone would start a thread on this...

I tested the fuel consumption out in both modes.

I work 32 miles away from where I stay. So I did a little controlled experiment.

Day one.. Use normal mode only, no revving past 3500rpm's, cruise control at 130km/h

Day two...Use dynamic mode only, no revving past 3500rpm's, cruise control at 130km/h

For this little controlled experiment (doing 62miles for the day), normal gave me 8.2l/100km
Dynamic gave me 7.6l/100km

I can only assume because its a rather undulating road to work and back that the higher torque figures helps it be more fuel efficient in D... If you dont drive it like you stole it

 

[Alfaromeo2]

Very interesting so it looks like it's true then.
I drove from Cork to Dublin in N mode recently and back in D mode and eventhough i didn't test the mpg it certainly caught my eye that it used less fuel coming home in D

 

[chris78]

Trouble is, drive in d and your driving style changes because the car wants to be revved. So much more fun though

 

[eded]

What is the point of the DNA system then? It seems just a gimmick.

 

[gaz64]

What is the point of the DNA system then? It seems just a gimmick.

the car does drive differently in the different modes

 

[davidpgreen]

Trouble is, drive in d and your driving style changes because the car wants to be revved. So much more fun though

Completely agree with this. My fuel economy is significantly better in N, because it makes me drive in a relaxed, smooth, conservative manner. D, however, is a different story (the car feels like an eager, energetic dog, desperate to please its owner! (and I let it!)).

 

[eded]

the car does drive differently in the different modes

If you can get the same economy with a light foot in D, and there is traction control, what are the N and A modes for?

 

[Jamie28]

N - more relaxed, and the car doesnt feel like it wants to be drove hard.
A - more traction and greater control in icy conditions?

 

[Alfred TI]

If you can get the same economy with a light foot in D, and there is traction control, what are the N and A modes for?

When you put in D its difficult to drive with a light right foot. it's so hard to resist squeezing it just a bit more.

N is for when you want to drive in a relaxed manner or don't want to give your passengers whiplash.
A is for when its grip is reduced, mainly in the snow and ice as you don't want max torque at 12-1500 revs in those conditions.

I drive in N for most of my commutes and leave D as something for the weekend
Its like having 2 cars for the price of one.

If I was to drive in D everywhere then I'd soon get acclimatised to it and have to get a faster car for the weekends.
My wife hasn't used D yet which is a good thing :cheese:

Edit: sorry to repeat you Jamie28, we must have been typing at the same time.:lol:

 

[Squadrone Rosso]

What is the point of the DNA system then? It seems just a gimmick.

I fully agree! N mode is shockingly crap in any of the new cars I've driven.

In D, even the 95bhp MiTo was great fun

 

[Jamie28]

People who actually own a G, wll agree it's not a gimmick...

 

[Guest]

People who actually own a G, wll agree it's not a gimmick...

Jip agree with this sentiment

Do some proper miles in both modes and you will appreciate what they are for...

Steering is far lighter in N, making it easier for parking, less responsive engine (though the MA obliges in N at higher revs), the breaks are not as sharp in N either. So in stop go traffic this is the better mode to be in.

And if you see a piece of open road or some twisties then D comes in handy, especially since the engine becomes FAR more responsive, the steering heavier and the prefill on the brakes makes them extremely sharp.

For people who dont actually live with the car, I can see why they think its a gimmick, but I am sure most (if not all) new Alfa owners appreciate this system...

Although it would be nice if one can switch of traction control complete though.. Should have that as one of the flip switches next to the start stop swith or the fog lights switches...

 

[timuti79]

+1, i have recently achieved 5.1 l/100km with 98 kmh cruise over 150 km with D mode almost like a diesel