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New Peugeot 308 Annual MPG Marathon demonstrates potential real-world vehicle economy
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Peugeot 208 GTi Peugeot has demonstrated its fuel-efficient cars for many years in this event
- In real-world driving conditions, two Peugeot 208s both exceeded 90mpg in 2012
The MPG Marathon is a two-day annual event held in a climate of spiralling fuel prices that have made economy one of the most desirable factors when choosing a car, forcing private and business drivers to consider everything they do behind the wheel with economy firmly in mind. The event is a live demonstration of how both car and driver can make a massive difference to fuel costs and emissions.
This year’s event will take place at Tankersley Manor, near Sheffield, on Wednesday 9th October and Thursday 10th October 2013. Previous competitors have included everyone from celebrities, academics, professional eco drivers, motoring journalists and senior figures in the automotive industry.
This year Peugeot is entering its all-new, highly-economical, low CO2 308 hatchback. Designed from the outset to be lighter, lower, more agile and more efficient, the new car has fuel economy capability as its priority, without compromising the driving experience. In fact, it positively enhances it.
The new 308s being driven are powered by the accomplished HDi 92 Diesel engine, that has the capability on the Combined Drive Cycle of 74.3mpg and driven on the MPG Marathon by prominent motoring journalists, who last year, over a route that included a wide range of roads and terrain across England and Wales, both achieved an average fuel economy exceeding 90mpg in the then just-launched compact 208 hatchback.
To further illustrate Peugeot’s all-round performance capability, a 208 GTi has also been entered to demonstrate that performance isn’t just about acceleration, handling and potential maximum speeds and that you can have your fun while enjoying the economy from an efficient power-unit – which was recently awarded the International Engine of the Year 2013 for the seventh year in succession.
Commenting on last year’s event, Chris Russon who writes for the Trinity Mirror regional Newspaper Group said: “While the MPG Marathon is always a challenging event, I was delighted with the performance and economy of the Peugeot 208, especially achieving the 93.4mpg average when 83.1 is the figure for the official Combined Drive Cycle, proving that with considerate driving techniques more is possible in real world conditions.”
Notes
The Peugeot brand’s environmental commitment to low CO2 motoring is actually second to none and at the end of May 2013 the average emissions across the range was 116.3g/km – down from 121.5g/km in 2012.
This has been driven by on-going optimisation of internal combustion engines, through improved efficiency, downsizing and technologies like Stop & Start and diesel-electric hybrids. The introduction of new generation engines like the family of three-cylinder petrol engines has also played a key role.
In a few months a new BlueHDi diesel emissions control technology is being introduced, and on the new 308. Combining ‘Selective Catalytic Reduction’ (SCR) and diesel Particulate Filtration with additive (FAP), this reduces NOx emissions by up to 90% to optimise CO2 emissions and fuel economy while eliminating 99.9% of particulates. BlueHDi technology already complies with the Euro 6 diesel standards and will be extended from the end of 2013 to all Peugeot diesel models.
From launch the new 308 will be available with five petrol and HDi diesel engines, all offering class-leading fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The highlight for environmentally aware drivers will be the 1.6-litre HDi 92, which has CO2 emissions of just 93g/km.
In Spring 2014 the new 308 will be the first Peugeot car to benefit from an innovative three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine – the 1.2-litre e-THP. Also available will be BlueHDi models, including a segment-leading engine with emissions of just 82g/km, plus next generation six-speed automatic gearboxes. Together they will ensure the all-new Peugeot 308 has the widest possible range of high-performance and economical engines to suit every taste and budget.
Every car in the new 308 range promises a new level of dynamic quality. With new low-weight suspension components combined with the advantages from the EMP2 chassis – reduced weight, shorter overhangs, lower centre of gravity, electric power steering – the new 308 provides drivers with a new benchmark in handling, agility, comfort and road-holding.
The New Peugeot 308 is available to order from October 2013, with first deliveries in January 2014.