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[Problemchild]

Significant?

So travelling at 60mph constant speed and engage aircon then car slows??

Maybe your compressor was partially seized due to lack of use and causing drag on the engine??

Engine revs hardly change at all on tickover...

JJ

[PaulMarshall]

No I notice the difference when flooring it particularly pulling up hills.

[PaulMarshall]

Power issues aside would it draw more fuel when air con is on?

[PaulMarshall]

Thank you Problemchild for all your import and advise. I really appreciate it.

[Fritz]

Fritz is a 1.5 not a great deal of power difference to a 1.3 and I don't notice any performance increase if I turn the air/con off. Fuel saving would be minimal.

[PaulMarshall]

Thanks Fritz it must be my imagination, Wouldn't be the first time.
I got a friend who works for the health dept and they have a fleet of small Toyotas, (not sure what models) anyway they have strict orders not to use the air con to keep fuel usage down. I guess this planted the seed about air con and fuel usage. I can now put this myth to rest and drive my Smartie using my air con without fear of power loss and extra fuel use.

[Problemchild]

Aircon has to be more efficient than having all the windows open

Just make sure you use the aircon once a week for an hour or so or it will stop working altogether.

JJ

[mr singh]

Do you think I notice it more because mine is a 1.3 and not a much more powerful Brabus?

iv had the A/C on on my 1.1 and i still get over 40 MPG and i havent noticed any power loss.

as for the radiator fan, yes it does come on when the car isnt moving but once the car is moving it does switch off, until its needed.

[PaulMarshall]