Okay, no offence. Just my first thought.
Haven't heard of anyone having that kind of whining sounds. The fuel consumption problems have been covered from just about every angle. Things that have been considered to have an effect include (but are not limited to) the fifth fuel injector, EGR, DPF, excess weight, driving habits, engine temperature, high idling revs, sulphur content of the fuel used and crappy engine design. Some of these might have an impact, some of them might not. All I can say for sure is that I get 48 mpg regularly and lately 50+ hasn't been unusual at all.
Hi Finlex. None taken.
Maybe my wife would say that its the excess weight on me thats having an effect??
The only good news is that we only keep them until they have covered 10k miles and then hand them back - but at 30mpg it will be a costly 10k!!! I could do 50+ in the Audi but thats now a distant dream. Thanks for your help - its very much appreciated.