Mazda2 impresses in economy challenge

The Mazda2 diesel has impressed the experts at the Fleet World MPG Marathon 2008, recording a fuel economy rate of 84 miles per gallon.

Although this only secured second place in the challenge, Mazda was still excited by the results.

The event took place on a demanding route over a wide variety of roads in mid-Wales and the north-west Midlands.

It attracted a field of 39 cars and crews from 22 manufacturers - representing a broad cross-section of vehicles. The event challenged crews "to improve upon the car's official 'combined cycle' fuel economy figure" by the biggest margin.

Mazda's crew members - motoring journalist Sue Cooke and her daughter Joanne - exploited the supermini's light weight and smooth aerodynamics, plus the engine's 68 ps and excellent torque (160 Nm at 2000 rpm).

After two days of competitive 'economy' driving, they scored a 19 per cent improvement on the combined cycle figure (65.7 mpg) of this popular Mazda, while averaging 40 mph.

The Mazda2 diesel has a CO2 rating of just 114 g/km and qualifies in the £35 road fund licence band.

Sue Cooke commented: "I have never regarded my driving style as being expertly economical, but adopting a common-sense approach and employing some basic 'smarter motoring' techniques - accelerating gently, shifting-up early and planning ahead to avoid unnecessary braking - allowed us to clearly demonstrate the huge fuel economy potential of the Mazda2."

Seven cars achieved more than 70 mpg and eight recorded more than 80 mpg.

Event organiser Ross Durkin, publisher of Fleet World magazine, explained: "It's not what you drive, but how you drive that makes the difference.

"Once again this event has shown that skilled driving techniques work and can make a dramatic impact upon miles per gallon."