|
- 2991kms covered with only one fill required
- 3.86 litres per 100km,
or 73.57 mpg!
- Average of 1700km per tank!
- Second car travelled
1445.6km on only one tank of fuel – even though it is an automatic vehicle (903
miles)
You may recall fuel economy driving expert John Taylor set a world record
when he drove a Peugeot 307 HDi around Australia using only $540 worth
of fuel, averaging an amazing 3.5 litres per 100km’s during his
journey.
With the release of the new 407 HDi model, John and his wife Helen
were invited by Peugeot Automobiles Australia’s Managing Director, Rob
Dommerson, to put it to the test - by driving across Australia, through
some of the country’s harshest conditions. Driving a new 407 HDi sedan each,
John wanted to see if he could make the drive on less than $150 worth of
fuel, and Helen wanted to see just how far she could get on one tank of fuel
in an automatic diesel car.
Setting off from Darwin last Tuesday, the couple travelled in convoy down the
Stuart Highway and arrived in Adelaide lunchtime on Sunday. (rest day included
in Alice Springs).
Both John and Helen were cleary impressed with the 407 HDi. “The Peugeot 407
is an amzingly economical vehicle, so safe and well equipped, not to mention
such stylish looks that created a great deal of interest along the way” said
John. Helen added “The 407 has all the creature comforts you would want on a
long drive, and it has the most comfortable seats I have ever driven in.”
John achieved his aim of finishing the epic journey spending less than $150
on fuel (only using 115.55 litres), averaging only 3.46 litres per 100kms
travelled, giving him an average tank range of 1700kms!! Travelling 1445.6 kms
on just one tank, Helen’s achievement is believed to be a world record (Longest
distance driven on one tank of fuel – automatic vehicle) and she will be
applying to Guinness World Records for official validation.
The entire journey was strictly scrutinized, including official police
observance by Senior Constable Malcolm Durrant from the Victorian Police Force.
The vehicles were also inspected by the NRMA 'Motoring & Services
Dept', to have their odometers checked for accuracy and to validate the fuel
tanks were factory fitted.
John and Helen Taylor’s Top Ten Tips for Economical Driving:
1. Preparation - Ensure the Vehicle is in top tune, by having it
serviced regularly. Watch for black exhaust smoke, which indicates the engine is
burning fuel needlessly. Check tyre pressures regularly. Soft tyres not only
result in up to 5% of your fuel being wasted, they also wear out quicker.
2. Attitude - Relax! Drive smoothly. Fast starts burn four times as
much fuel as gentle acceleration. Observe the traffic flow ahead to avoid sudden
braking.
3. Plan Your Trip - Avoid peak hour traffic if possible and work out
the most direct route before your journey commences. Using motorways, autobahns,
uses less fuel than driving on suburban streets.
4.Travel Light - Don't carry excess weight by using the boot/trunk as
a storage area, for tool boxes, etc. You are simply calling on extra effort from
your engine every time you accelerate.
5.Keep It Shut - Keeping windows closed improves your cars aerodynamic
efficiency. An open window can increase fuel consumption by up to 5%. Remove
roof racks if not being used, they cause significant air drag.
6.Minimise Use Of Air Conditioning - Unless it's freezing, or
sweltering, keep the air conditioner off (fan is usually sufficient for cool or
warm air flow into the vehicle). It is a major fuel thief in traffic, increasing
fuel consumption by up to 10%.
7.Go For The Higher Gears - Automatic transmissions know how to select
a higher gear when you ease off the throttle. If you are using a manual car, go
for the next gear as soon as the car can handle it, without lugging.
8. Slow Down - If the cameras don't catch you, your wallet will.
Travelling at 90 kmph on the open road uses 25% less fuel than at 110 kmph in
most cars.
9. Turn Off - Don't let your car idle unnecessarily in the morning, in
major traffic hold ups, or when waiting for someone. Don't rev the engine before
switching off, it wastes fuel and contrary to popular opinion, doesn't make it
easier to start next time.
10. Driving Ability - To be a successful economy driver, you need to
be able to read the road ahead, have good concentration, understanding of your
vehicle, and most importantly, the will to be a Winner, with dogged
determination.
If you add all the above ten tips, to your driving portfolio, by simply
applying these rules, every Driver has the ability to slash up to 20% off their
weekly fuel bill, a major saving in these sky high fuel price times.
Background
Peugeot has a long and proud Diesel history in Australia and is the
traditional Diesel Passenger Car Market leader in this country. With an
historical affinity of diesel models with the Australian rural community,
traveling vast distances is not something new for Peugeot. With a very strong
trend towards Diesel motoring in passenger vehicles worldwide, Peugeot are
committed to educating the public on its advantages.
407 HDi – Every Revolution Begins on the Streets...
The Peugeot 407 HDi embodies the latest in diesel engine technology, offering
outstanding performance in terms of dynamism, driving economy and respect for
the environment.
The Peugeot 407 HDi, priced from only $45,990, is the car that has the
potential to revolutionise the way Australians think about Diesel. It is an
impressive vehicle, bristling with technology and standard equipment, not to
mention its futuristic looks. And with dynamic performance and clean emissions,
this car has all the credentials to dispel the long held misconceptions about
diesel powered cars.
The Peugeot HDi advantage – Driving Enjoyment and Respect for the
Environment
The 407 HDi is powered by a responsive 2.0 litre turbo charged-engine,
equipped with a particulate emission filter (FAP) developing 100 kW and an
amazing 320 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. With a torque figure comparable to
a 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine, the HDi 407 delivers a dynamic driving experience
without penalising you at the bowser. Employing the very latest in common rail,
high-pressure direct injection technology, among its outstanding features are
16-valves for optimal induction and exhaust; an intercooler for greater
combustion efficiency; and a variable geometry turbocharger.
Furthermore, the 407 HDi is compliant with strict ‘Euro 4
legislation’, as it eliminates particles by means of its particulate filter
resulting in a very clean emission, and has low outputs of harmful greenhouse
gasses (CO2 155 g/km).
The 407 HDi is now available, in the following specifications:
| 407 ST HDi Diesel Manual Sedan |
$45,990 |
| 407 ST HDi Diesel Auto Sedan |
$48,190 |
| 407 ST HDi Diesel Auto ’Touring’ |
$51,190 |
|
