CM's senior tech man, Julian Milnes, and yours truely took part in the annual MPG marathon at the tailend of last week. Our noble steed for the 350-mile two-day event was a Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0 CDTi 114hp and we felt confident we would dodge the fuel pumps.
Photo: Derek Goard
Event organisor, Ross Durkin, told us: "The event is about showing people just how much they can save by driving defensively and economically. Everyone complains when the fuel price rises by 5 or 10% but by easing off the accelarator early and looking ahead for any road hazards you can keep momentum and save 5-10% in fuel just like that."
The benefits of reducing fuel consumption are four-fold; the most important (in these times at least) is cost, followed by emissions, then road safety (slower driving means less accidents) and reduced wear-and-tear on the brakes and engine.
Photo: Derek Goard
On the road the Vivaro proved to be a comfortable companion and both Julian and I were impressed with the well-insulated, roomy cabin and the superb on-road dynamics made the journey all the more bearable.
After crossing the finish line the AA men topped up our Vivaro's tank and were chuffed with the result (being MPG Marathon novices and all), which was a 47% improvement over Vauxhall's claimed combined figure of 34.4mpg (50.6mpg)
Keep a beady eye out for the next issue of Commercial Motor for a full run-down of the results and the event.
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