A team of expert drivers in the Mazda/Topaz Drive Safe, Drive Smart campaign have achieved an amazing 3.44L/100kms (81.97 miles per gallon ) in a road test aimed at highlighting the benefits of driving safely and more fuel efficiently.
The team of Johnny Horan and Alastair Lindsey achieved the hugely impressive figures in a Mazda2 car on a 100 kilometre route between Kill in Co Kildare and Templeogue in Dublin.
The Mazda/Topaz Drive Safe, Drive Smart initiative is aimed at encouraging drivers to drive safely at moderate speeds and to adopt smarter driving techniques which make a dramatic impact on a vehicles fuel economy.
Eddie Rock Assistant Commissioner of the Garda Traffic Corp and Noel Brett Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority both attended the event.
In a joint appeal for motorists to moderate their speed, they said, “Speeding is responsible for more than 40% of fatal traffic accidents in Ireland. People need to drive appropriately to the prevailing conditions and not to use permissible speed limits as their sole guide.
“This message is for everyone but particularly for younger drivers and motorcyclists, a disproportionate number of whom are killed on our roads every year.
“As this initiative shows, driving at moderate speeds also makes financial sense as drivers will save money while it is also more environmentally friendly.”
The car used in the test was the new Mazda2. “Thanks to the weight-saving strategy during the car’s development, the Mazda2 delivers low-cost motoring with class-leading fuel economy and low C02 emissions” according to David McGonigle, MD Mazda Motor Ireland. Learning these smarter driving tips could save up to 30 per cent off your current fuel bill.” (See Table below )
Topaz Chief Executive Danny Murray said of the greater fuel efficiency achieved, “The cars in today’s trial used Topaz Clean Fuel, which includes a special additive which gives drivers increased fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Independent field trials have shown its use can increase engine efficiency by up to 3 per cent or approximately 400 miles a year for the average Irish motorist.”
Top tips for increasing fuel economy
- Change up early through the gears. Shift up between 1.700 and 2.500 revolutions (depending on vehicle ).
- Ensure you adopt a smooth style of driving – ease into acceleration.
- Avoid tailgating. Keep your distance between vehicles to ensure you brake smoothly.
- Reduce your speed, driving at 110 KPH uses 15 per cent more fuel than at 80 KPH.
- Use Cruise Control for Motorway driving to maintain a constant speed, as it can prove seven per cent average fuel savings.
- If you have stopped for more than 40 seconds (e.g. level crossing ), save fuel by switching off the engine.
- Use the Air Conditioning sparingly as it can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent.
- Check tire pressure regularly.
- Ensure your vehicle is serviced regularly.
- Remove unnecessary weight from your car (golf clubs, roof racks etc ).
