I have just this week come back from two weeks in france. From Lincolnshire to Provence and back, including a couple of 2000metre high mountains, local running around and I averaged 47.6mpg(UK).total mileage was 2268
Admittedly, even on the French motorways I rarely went over 65 and I always accelerate gently and ease back at about 42/45mph so it'll upshift to top. On the way down to Provence, the average was 50.4mpg. My normal monthly average, a mix of rural roads,dual carriageways and town work sees 43/44mpg.
However, I noticed in the winter, on winter gradediesel, that around town I was only getting around 38mpg. Compared to my oldHondaShuttle at 33/35mpg - if I was lucky - the Carens is much better.
Theconsumptiondefinitely varies drastically depending on how you drive it!
A final point: my consumption definitely got better once I'd done about 12/14000 miles.
Now have 24K on clock and its one year old at end of month.
One of the best value for money cars I've had,dealer is great,servicing costs about same as the Honda. No complaints here!
Oh, and its the auto.