Sunday Times journalist Gavin Conway has set a world record by driving a Volkswagen Passat 1,531 miles (2464 km) on a single tank of fuel from Maidstone, England to Calais.
The Passat was fitted with VW's1.6 TDI (105 PS/ 250Nm) diesel engine with BlueMotion technology that includes a stop/start system for improved fuel-economy. The car on test was a standard production model with no modifications made.
Conway used exactly 77.25 liters of diesel fuel on the drive which translate to a fuel-economy figure of 3.1 liter/100 km - way above the standard combined cycle rating of 4.4 liter/100 km (or 22.7km/l). For comparison, the Toyota Prius, with its much more complicated drivetrain, has a fuel consumption rating of 25.6km/l. The event was documented by representatives of the Guinness Book of World records who confirmed the record.
The BlueMotion technology on the Passat also includes lowered ride height, low roll-resistance tires, aerodynamic bodywork and programmed battery charging. BlueMotion technology is also available on the Polo and Golf models. For readers