Van stuns UK market with its fuel economy

While we’re focused on litres per kilometre here in SA, over in the UK it’s all about miles per gallon – and when it comes to the Fleet World MPG Marathon, fuel economy is the point of focus to the exclusion of pretty much everything else.

This year, however, a star emerged. Vauxhall’s Vivaro ecoFlex triumphed with a stunning 59,31 percent improvement on the combined fuel economy figure.

This sensational result wasn’t just the best percentage improvement for a commercial vehicle, it put cars to shame too. Soundly beaten rivals included the Ford Transit Custom (new to the market) and the Volkswagen Transporter.

The revised Vivaro ecoFlex was launched in the UK earlier this year with a range of green technology features. These include exhaust gas recirculation, improved thermal management, optimised gear ratios, low rolling resistance tyres and an aerodynamic kit.

Driven by Vauxhall archivist and resident eco-driving expert, Andrew Duerden, and co-driver Neil McIntee, the ecoFlex registered an impressive fuel economy figure of 65,16 miles per gallon (mpg) against a combined figure of 40,90 mpg.

The two-day marathon, the UK’s longest-running economy driving event, took place in the Cotswolds with separate routes covering 350 miles (560 km) of countryside, with a mix of main and back roads and motorway driving.

“Fuel economy is a top priority for Vauxhall customers who are looking to reduce running costs, and our MPG Marathon win proves what a frugal van the Luton-built Vivaro is,” says Duerden.

Duerden was presented with the MPG Marathon trophy by Norman Baker, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport at the Royal Automobile Club in London yesterday (October 10).

Building over 70 000 vehicles alone last year at its plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port, Vauxhall is the UK’s largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles.