Search: more on the 2008 MPG Marathon
The benefits of 'green' driving came into sharp focus when I participated in the 2008 AA/ALD MPG Marathon (8-9/10/2008). The Marathon, a 411-mile battle of participants which included fellow motoring journos, some fleet managers and manufacturer representatives, plus Edmund King of the AA. The route, took us from Bristol to Macclesfield and back again. But like the rest of us, Ed would have to be smart with his right foot if he stood any chance of winning. As the Marathon is the complete opposite of today's foot-down driving, instead it's all about going as far as possible on the least possible amount of fuel.It might have been my second attempt at the Marathon, but I must admit I was a little worried when I turned up at the start. A chat with Citroen PR man Julian Leyton, the previous week had done nothing to calm my nerves. The lengths I would have to go to to stretch that last thimble of fuel was admirable. No open windows, no air-conditioning and no stereo to relieve the boredom - could I be so diligent? Citroen had offered us a C1 1.4 HDi Rhythm, a close relation of the previous winning car, the Toyota Aygo. So it would be interesting to see how we got on. No pressure...
Last minute co-driver change
A last minute change of co-driver saw me partnered with Fleet World's Tina Ries. Tina's map reading experience proved invaluble, but it did mean that I'd be driving the full 411- route, quite daunitng at 55mph! We were placed towards the front of the leaving order, but before we'd even done a mile there was drama. Confusion over left and right directions saw us go the opposite direction to other competitiors, I quickly managed to turn round but I wondered if we'd pay for my mistake later on!
Lunchtime
Despite slow progress, we were soon at the lunch stop in Ludlow. I'd worked out the key to getting the best fuel economy from our C1 was to get into the highest gear possible, whilst using just a whisker of throttle. Sticking at 55mph or just under 1,500rpm seemed about right. The downhill stretches across the Peak District towards Macclesfield was definitely one of the more exciting parts of the first day. The roads were engaging and the scenery stunning.
Mirror, signal, manouver
Another key to improving fuel consumption is to plan ahead, and keeping going at all costs. So forward planning, observation and anticipation is the key to smooth driving, which in turn, means you use less fuel. During the route from Bristol to Macclesfield and back again, I have to admit that I found every set of traffic lights and roundabout a worrying experience as we approached each, hoping not to have to stop, brake or accelerate, all of which uses up fuel. Still, after the 200miles of the first day, these techniques were having a positive effect on the Citroen's fuel gauge which resolutely refused to move from the full mark. But economy driving demands more concentration than usual and I slept well that night.
