Yes,amazing technology has produced more efficient production cars over recent years. At the MPG Marathon reported last time, a Toyota Yaris was driven to achieve a staggering 84.66 mpg. This competition proved ,however, that skilful driving can also further dramatically reduce the cost of motoring ,and cut the amount of CO2 emissions produced by Britain's 30 million motorists.
It was reported that 40 teams took part in the 2008 MPG Marathon, and they achieved an average improvement of 23 per cent over the manufacturers' official combined figures.If this performance was replicated by all of Britains's private and commercial motorists,it would result in a £8.2 billion per annum saving in fuel costs.
Normally, in a competition, no one remembers who came second. Deserving to be an exception to the rule are Sue and Joanne Cooke who,driving a 5-door Mazda2 1.4 diesel, came close to winning the MPG Marathon challenge with a creditable 84.58 mpg. After two days of competitive 'economy' driving, they scored a 19 per cent improvement ,while averaging 40 mph, on the official combined cycle figure (65.7mpg) of this popular Mazda (shown above). The Maxda2 has a CO2 rating of just 114 g/km qualifying it for the £35 VED band for road tax.
So just what does 'eco-driving' entail. Mazda's 9 'Smarter 'Motoring Tips are as follows:
- Change-up 'early' through the gears,just before 'peak torque'rpm
- Ease your speed . Driving at 70 mph uses around 15 per cent more fuel than at 50 mph
- Anticipate to avoid unnecessary braking and stopping
- Use the air-conditioning sparingly as it increases fuel consumption
- Switch-off the engine whenever it is safe to do so
- Check tyre pressures regularly
- Remove unnecessary weight from your car
- Reduce aerodynamic drag whenever possible e.g. removing roof racks when not in use
- Following the recommended servicing schedule
'til next time.
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