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Peugeot 406 St HDi Claims New Zealand Economy Record
Peugeot Concessionaires New Zealand is claiming a national production car economy record, following a remarkable performance by the 406 ST HDi.
The 2.0-litre Peugeot 406 ST HDi turbo-diesel sedan covered 1,971.6 km on a single 70- litre tank of fuel, in a mid-Winter drive over public North Island roads.
This is understood to be the longest distance covered by a production car in New Zealand on a single tank of fuel. And equates to an average fuel consumption of 3.55 11100 km (79.58 miles per gallon).
Answers Rising Fuel Costs
With metropolitan petrol prices in Australia pushing through $1.00 per litre, the 406 ST HDi, and its compact 306 XT HDi stablemate, offer a clean, quiet, refined, powerful, and economical diesel alternative.
The record-breaking run was driven solo by Auckland-based motoring journalist Donn Anderson, following an invitation from Peugeot Concessionaires New Zealand (PCNZ). This followed a challenge to the company from a member of the public to substantiate an advertising claim that 1,555 km in the 406 ST HDi without refuelling was achievable.
Anderson covered the challenging Auckland—Wellington—Auckland—Wellington run (1,907 kin) with enough fuel left in the tank to cover a further 64.6 km, for the stunning total of 1,971.6 km.
According to Anderson, "Initially the 1,555 km figure seemed quite a challenge to accomplish on public roads. But it soon became apparent that 1,555 km was not only easily achievable, but could be comfortably bettered."
Speeds Up To 100 Km/H
He adds, "The drive was no slow speed dawdle, and was realistic given the constraints of modem motoring. And what's more, I was able to increase speeds during the journey without compromising fuel economy, often running to the legal limit of 100 km/h."
PCNZ decided against an artificial test on private roads or a race circuit, and during the drive Anderson encountered heavy rain, severe winds and road works in the Central North Island and Wellington area.
According to Andrew Bayliss, General Manager of PCNZ, "Bettering the 1,555 kin target by more than 400 km was considerably better than had been anticipated." He adds, "Diesel technology has moved on, and the new generation High-pressure Direct-Injection (HDi) Peugeot engine is proof positive of the outstanding fuel economy which can be achieved."
Common Rail Technology
Peugeot's 2.0-litre HDI turbo-diesel engine uses a supply system in which fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber at very high pressure. Its "Common Rail" injection system produces a super-fine fuel mixture that ensures immediate atomisation and optimal fuel/air mixture quality.
A combination of high fuel feed pressure, very small fuel-injector holes, and computer management of each system component adds up to extremely accurate and efficient engine operation. The overall result is precise fuel injection and timing, more complete combustion, reduced fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions.
THE HDi RANGE - Economy and luxury
At $28,080 the 306 XT UDi is the only diesel passenger car available in Australia under $40,000. Its standard specification includes, climate-control air-conditioning, driver and passenger airbag, electric windows, CD stereo, remote central locking, auto rain-sensing windscreen wiper system, velour trim, engine immobiliser, height and lumbar adjust on the driver's seat, electrically adjustable rear view mirrors, as well as front and rear fog lights.
At $42,150 the 406 ST HDi standard equipment list includes climate-control air-conditioning, driver and passenger airbag, alloy wheels, ABS brakes, electric windows, six-speaker CD stereo, remote control central locking, auto rain-sensing windscreen wiper system, velour upholstery, engine immobiliser, height & reach adjustable steering column, as well as front and rear fog lights.
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