new fuel economy world record

6 December 2017

A new World Record has been confirmed for the best fuel economy in a petrol-powered car.

• Driven by BBC South Transport Correspondent, Paul Clifton, and Honda Research Engineer, Fergal McGrath
• The car was a Honda Jazz, supplied by Fish Brothers Honda in Swindon
• AA Patrol John Snowling and Recovery Patrol Tony Doran provided the official adjudication and support for the record attempt. They escorted the Honda at an average speed of 40mph, providing vital protection on the road.
• The AA’s Car Genie telematics were used to track the journey; including the route, distance, time taken and average speed. The data was submitted as key evidence in verifying the world record. 

844 miles on a single tank of fuel

The challenge saw the team undertake the 844-mile journey between Land’s End and John O’Groats on a single tank of fuel – a world first for any petrol car.

Following the journey, which took place over the weekend of 3-4 June, it has recently been confirmed that the team beat the previous best of 71mpg – achieving an incredible 95mpg.

The world record demonstrates that advanced green engine technology within Honda vehicles is developing in huge strides.

Debbie Reeve Crook, group marketing manager at Fish Brothers Honda, commented: “We’re thrilled we were able to help support this incredible world record attempt by Fergal and Paul with the Honda Jazz. Their effort took a lot of determination and highlights the fantastic efficiency of the Jazz. They had a few precarious moments along the way, particularly when the car warned that there was no fuel left with 60 miles remaining, but the brave little Jazz carried on. As the end got closer, it must have been running on fresh air and adrenaline! This achievement demonstrates how fuel efficient the Jazz really is.”

Paul Clifton added: “The objective was to demonstrate that while diesel is being demonised by the government, leading to a fall in sales of new diesel cars, it is possible to show that a mid-size petrol engine, with its lower emissions, can be a match for more efficient diesel.

“The challenge was no easy task and it’s a huge accomplishment to achieve the new world record, with thanks to Fish Brothers Honda for supplying the car and John and Tony from the AA for their endless enthusiasm which helped push us to the finish.”

Fergal McGrath said: “Overall we’re really pleased to achieve this new world record for fuel efficiency and also driving the complete Journey using only one tank of fuel, which we also believe is a world first. The Jazz is incredibly capable, a small car but with tonnes of practicality. Its petrol engine is brilliantly economical, as was also proved in October when it was a winner in the MPG Marathon event. It was crucial for us to have the AA representatives support the journey as independent witnesses, whose van telematics were vital in confirming the new record.”

John Snowling, AA patrol, concluded: “We parked the van and the car under the famous signpost for the obligatory photos and reflected on the toughness of the challenge.

The journey took 26 hours and with only short stops for refreshments and to change drivers. The tension turned into a massive buzz as it seemed that we really would reach John O’Groats without having to fill up.”

Car Genie predicts breakdowns before they happen by identifying faults, allowing a third of AA members to avoid breaking down at the roadside.

Image (credit: Swindon Advertiser)  shows (left to right): Paul Hill (Fish Brothers Honda), John Snowling (AA), Fergal McGrath, Tony Doran (AA), and Paul Clifton