Officially quoted fuel consumption figures have long been a topic of dispute amongst journalists and consumers alike, but in a recent fuel economy contest conducted by ALD Automotive Fleet World, the Peugeot 208 took top honours in its real-world MPG Marathon. Taking part over two days and covering over 600km the test is designed to replicate the type of driving that consumers are likely to experience.
The winning model was a Peugeot 208 five-door hatchback powered by the 1.6-litre BlueHDi 75hp diesel engine. Over the combined drive cycle it consumes 3.5 litres/100km (80.7mpg). The car in question was an almost new vehicle with minimal mileage on the engine and in standard production guise. Former Peugeot Sport UK Manager, Mick Linford and part-time rally navigator, Jemma Champion, drove it.
Commenting on the victory, Neil Moscrop, Brand Director at Peugeot UK, said: "This is a fantastic result which clearly highlights just how efficient the latest Peugeot range of new cars can be in real-world traffic conditions. Customers seeking reassurances that they are buying a new car with leading environmental credentials need look no further than Peugeot for the most fuel efficient vehicles on the market."
Anything else?
Peugeot may try to better its own record later when a new 208 that uses the same engine but with stop-start. It expects fuel consumption on that model to fall to 3.0 litres/100km (94.2mpg).