The Hyundai Getz seized the title of best performing private sector vehicle at the recent GreenFleet Capital Fuel Challenge.

Involving a 30-mile trip through rush-hour traffic in central London, the competition aims to measure the real-world fuel economy of different cars.
 

The Getz 1.5 diesel beat off competition from three hybrid models, two biodiesel engine cars and another diesel vehicle to achieve overall second place in the event, which is sponsored by Transport for London.

In total, Hyundai's diesel-fuelled model used 2.6 kg of fuel to complete the 30-mile course, compared to 2.2 kg used by the Toyota Prius, which was named overall winner.

But while the Getz was beaten in terms of fuel use, it tied with the Prius in terms of cost, coming in at just nine pence a mile.

Commenting on the result, Spencer Freedman from GreenFleet, part of Public Sector Enterprises, said: "This was a real world test, which highlights the environmental and cost benefits of choosing the right vehicle to get around London."

"The success of the Hyundai Getz demonstrates that clean diesel engines, if driven defensively, can be just as cost and fuel efficient as alternative fuelled vehicles,” he added, in comments quoted by website easier.com.