Careful Driver Wins the Day (Almost)

United Co-op Group transport manager Ronnie Hutton showed us how it was done when he took part in the RAC Fleetworld MPG Marathon.

With the world increasingly concerned about carbon dioxide emissions and rising fuel costs, the timing of this event couldn’t have been better.

The marathon – now in its fourth year – really is a race with a difference, as it is not the fastest driver that wins on the day.

Motorists are advised to avoid severe braking, sudden acceleration and the use of air conditioning, to show how restrained driving can dramatically reduce harmful emissions and save 10% on fuel costs – but Ronnie went one better.

Driving a Peugeot 207 1.4hdi on the 420 mile round route between Bristol and Newquay, Ronnie finished second in the best outright MPG class.

Under strict test conditions, a staggering 71.87mpg was achieved against the Peugeot combined figure of 62.70mpg – an impressive increase of 14.62%.

Speaking of his success, Ronnie said: “The MPG Marathon really brought home the fact that preparation is essential, better anticipation and concentration makes you a safer driver as well as improving your mpg.

“Once we got to a cruising speed, I used the highest gear and the smallest amount of throttle possible to maintain the car’s speed. The aim was to stay between 1,000 and 2,000 rpm to minimise fuel usage.

“These simple adaptations to your driving not only save you money, but they reduce the wear and tear on your engine, help protect the environment, and make you a better driver!”