It is rumoured that car makers test new vehicles in the thin air of mountain resorts to optimise fuel consumption figures, but whether or not this is true it seems some manufacturers are under-estimating the frugality of their cars.
The driver of a 5-door family hatchback Peugeot 308 HDi has achieved an average fuel consumption of 89.95mpg on public roads between Paris and Geneva – an improvement of almost 50 per cent on the manufacturer’s official figure.
Eco Cup challenge
The 308 was one of 72 cars in standard trim that were taking part in the Peugeot Eco Cup, a pan-European eco-driving challenge.
The winning Peugeot 308 was followed in second place by a 207 model that managed 87.10 mpg and a seven-seater 5008 MPV with an average of 84.77 mpg.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “This event proves that green driving techniques allow ordinary drivers in everyday driving conditions to achieve real savings.”
What is ‘eco driving’?
The term ‘eco driving’ refers to simple techniques for safer, more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly motoring. What is your car’s official MPG figure?
| Eco driving | … at a glance |
|---|---|
 Take it smooth |
Avoiding harsh acceleration and braking saves fuel and reduces wear and tear – it also leaves you feeling more relaxed |
| Anticipate |
By looking as far as possible up the road it’s possible to reduce stop/start driving, thereby reducing fuel consumption and making you a safer driver into the bargain |
| Shed weight |
Remove unnecessary clutter from your car and you will use less fuel |
| Improve your aerodynamics |
If you don’t regularly use your roof rack or top box, remove it as it’s reducing the efficiency of your car |
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