60-mpg Peugeot 308 joins this year's MPG Marathon

Each year, the AA/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon takes a selection of vehicles through some real-world roads to see just how many miles the drivers can squeeze out of the gas tanks. Last year, for example, a Cadillac 1.9 Turbo Diesel hit 55.6 mpg at the UK event. This year, one of the competitors will be the new Peugeot 308 HDi, which should get somewhere over 60 mpg (Imperial). John Dalton and David Adams will drive the car along the 350-mile route from Basingstoke to Torquay and back.

Aside from high MPGs, the 308 HDi uses Michelin Energy Saver tires and a Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) to reduce CO2 emissions to 129 g/km. A Peugeot 207 HDi 90 took second last year.

The two-day 2007 MPG Marathon begins October 3rd.

Related:
[Source: Peugeot]
Economical Peugeot 308 Makes Its MPG Marathon Debut
  • New Peugeot 308 HDi aims for the top spot in economical driving challenge
  • Running exclusively on new Michelin Energy Saver tyres that reduce CO2
  • New 1.6-litre HDi range offers CO2 emissions from just 120g/km
On 4 October 2007, the new Peugeot 308 sets off on a tough challenge in its bid to be the most economical car in-class on the AA/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon 2007.

Hot on the heels of an overall second place for its sibling, the 207 HDi 90 in 2006, the 1.6-litre 308 SE HDi 110's economy will be tested to its limits on a testing 350-mile route from Basingstoke to Torquay and back. The route encompasses urban and extra-urban driving, with drivers battling it out to get the best fuel economy out of their vehicle over a variety of road circumstances.

With a published fuel economy of 60.1mpg (combined), CO2 emissions of 129g/km and Peugeot's latest Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) technology, the 308 HDi 110 is a strong contender in its class.

The 308 has the added benefit of running exclusively on, MPG Marathon sponsor and a Peugeot tyre supplier, Michelin's all-new Energy Saver tyre. Currently available exclusively on the 308, it reduces tyre rolling resistance by 20% and correspondingly improves overall fuel economy and its environmental efficiency. CO2 output can be reduced by up to 4g/km with these tyres, reaching a total reduction of potentially 1 tonne throughout the vehicle's life.

At the helm of the new Peugeot 308 is John Dalton, who commendably drove his way to second-place overall success in the 207 last year. This year John, with co-pilot David Adams, hopes to demonstrate that the 308 is the most economical in class and give smaller cars a run for their money in the process.

John comments, "Whilst efficient driving is not as physically demanding as running the London Marathon, driving economically does require concentration and anticipation." He continues, "Building on the success of last year will be a challenge itself, campaigning the larger family-sized 308, but I am confident that it will lead its class and be up there with the winners in this year's testing MPG Marathon."

John explains the wider benefits of economical driving, "Once you become accustomed to driving with the environment and your fuel gauge in mind, it is quite natural. You can experience both the monetary benefits in decreased fuel costs, enjoy a similar rate of progress and reduce your environmental impact too. It's potentially a win-win situation."

The AA/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon 2007 departs from Basingstoke on 4 October and continues after an overnight stop in Torquay, with the finish back in Basingstoke – where the results are calculated and the winner duly announced.

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