The economy capabilities of both the new diesel Peugeot 308 and the petrol-powered 208 GTi have been proven in this year’s MPG Marathon.

Held this year from Tankersley, near Sheffield, the event saw a full line-up including three new Peugeot cars compete to highlight real-world economy driving. 

Two New Peugeot 308 HDi 92 models were entered with sub-100g/km CO2 and a Combined Drive Cycle exceeding 75mpg, along with the 208 GTi, which not only offers an 200bhp output, agility and acceleration, but also CO2 emissions of 139g/km and a combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg.

This year's event for the first time had five set locations across the UK (Lincoln, York, Manchester, Burton-upon-Trent & Tankersley) but relied on the navigation skills of the co-driver to chance the best route in real-world driving conditions.

The final results show that with the intention of economical driving, it is possible to exceed the Government's 'New Car Fuel Consumption and Emission Figures' as John Kendall and Paul Nieuwenhuis in the petrol-powered 208 GTi achieved 59.39mpg over 341.1 miles – gaining awards for “the best percentage improvement” (24%) and “best MPG in Class 2’.

Meanwhile Chris Russon, who writes for the Trinity Mirror Regional Newspaper Group, with co-driver Kevin Jones of Peugeot piloted the 308 and achieved 82.04mpg over 350.5 miles – the “best percentage improvement in Class 3” (10.4%) and the “2nd best percentage improvement”, while Ian Robertson of DieselCar magazine and co-driver Marc-Antoine Negre also in a 308 achieved 77.15mpg over 353 miles – marking the “3rd best percentage improvement” (3.8%).

Commenting on his achievements in the MPG Marathon, Chris Russon said: ‘While it is important that most new cars are declaring improved economy, the fact that the New Peugeot 308 has reduced its weight by some 140kg - equivalent to two adults - means that achieving good economy is much more likely, and driven with that in mind it not only brings great achievements but makes for safer driving too.’