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On 4 October 2007, the new Peugeot 308 sets off on a tough challenge in its bid to be the most economical car in-class on the AA/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon 2007.

Hot on the heels of an overall second place for its sibling, the 207 HDi 90 in 2006, the 1.6-litre 308 SE HDi 110’s economy will be tested to its limits on a testing 350-mile route from Basingstoke to Torquay and back.  The route encompasses urban and extra-urban driving, with drivers battling it out to get the best fuel economy out of their vehicle over a variety of road circumstances.

With a published fuel economy of 60.1mpg (combined), CO₂ emissions of 129g/km and Peugeot’s latest Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) technology, the 308 HDi 110 is a strong contender in its class.

The 308 has the added benefit of running exclusively onMichelin’s all-new Energy Saver tyre. Currently available exclusively on the 308, it reduces tyre rolling resistance by 20% and correspondingly improves overall fuel economy and its environmental efficiency.  CO₂ output can be reduced by up to 4g/km with these tyres, reaching a total reduction of potentially 1 tonne throughout the vehicle’s life.

At the helm of the new Peugeot 308 is John Dalton, who commendably drove his way to second-place overall success in the 207 last year.  This year John, with co-pilot David Adams, hopes to demonstrate that the 308 is the most economical in class and give smaller cars a run for their money in the process.

John comments, “Whilst efficient driving is not as physically demanding as running the London Marathon, driving economically does require concentration and anticipation.”  He continues, “Building on the success of last year will be a challenge itself, campaigning the larger family-sized 308, but I am confident that it will lead its class and be up there with the winners in this year’s testing MPG Marathon.”

John explains the wider benefits of economical driving, “Once you become accustomed to driving with the environment and your fuel gauge in mind, it is quite natural.  You can experience both the monetary benefits in decreased fuel costs, enjoy a similar rate of progress and reduce your environmental impact too.  It’s potentially a win-win situation.”

From October 2007, an even-more economical 308 will become available.  The 308 HDi 90 can achieve 74.3mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle, and 62.8mpg on the Combined Cycle, with CO₂ emissions of 120g/km – the proposed threshold for future London congestion charging exemption.