The winning driver in Peugeot’s Eco Cup challenge achieved staggering fuel efficiency of near 90 mpg.
The race from Paris to Geneva took place to coincide with the opening of the motor show at the Swiss city, with the winner being the competitor that arrived at the finish within set time targets having used the least fuel. It was designed to demonstrate the fuel-frugal ability of the carmaker’s HDi diesel models. Indeed the winning car was no tiny city car, hybrid or specially adapted vehicle, just an ordinary 5-door 308 HDi 110 driven over 100kms between the two cities in heavy winter conditions.
Open to the public, the challenge attracted 72 people from 18 countries, in the first ever pan-European eco-driving race.
The winning Peugeot 308 HDi FAP 110, driven by Tomas Sarik of Slovakia, achieved an average fuel consumption of 89.95 mpg while in second place a 207 HDi 90 achieved an average of 87.10 mpg. Even the seven seater 5008 PV model, which took third place, achieved an average of 84.77 mpg.
Jon Goodman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, said: “This project has proven two things; that there are a lot of people out there interested in doing their bit for the planet by stretching fuel economy to the max; and that this can be achieved in standard Peugeot diesel cars, with our new 5008 7-seater MPV nearly cracking 85mpg and our 308 5-door family hatch pushing 90mpg. This is a great reminder that, in this dynamic and technology-obsessed industry, genuine environmentally friendly motoring is available for the masses right now.”
The 72 competitors set off from Paris on Sunday, 28th February 2010 towards Geneva covering the journey on a set route within the 36 hour permitted period.
For each model, the candidate having consumed the least fuel at the end of the course won a new Peugeot car. Winners were announced and the keys to the vehicles handed over on Tuesday 2nd March 2010 on the Peugeot stand at the motor show.
Jon Goodman, MD of Peugeot UK said: “This first Peugeot Eco Cup is a truly exciting challenge in the mould of those first great motoring adventures, and uses the expertise from one of Europe’s leaders in terms of environmental vehicles. We are seeking the best of the best in eco-driving, taking everyday but highly fuel-efficient Peugeot cars over a testing route to see just how far they can stretch their fuel capability. Will anyone make the finish on one tank? We’ll have to see.
