DRIVING efficiently could save up to €295 or 30% per annum off fuel bill.

A team of drivers in the Mazda/Topaz Drive Safe, Drive Smart campaign have achieved an amazing 3.44 litres/100kms (81.97 miles per gallon) in a road test aimed at highlighting the benefits of driving safely and more fuel efficiently.

The road test using Mazda2 petrol powered cars showed that driving efficiently could save up to €295 or 30% per annum off fuel bill.

The test team of Johnny Horan and Alastair Lindsey achieved the hugely impressive figures in a Mazda2 car on a 100 kilometre route between Kill in Co Kildare and Templeogue in Dublin.

The Mazda/Topaz Drive Safe, Drive Smart initiative is aimed at encouraging drivers to drive safely at moderate speeds and to adopt smarter driving techniques which make a dramatic impact on a vehicles fuel economy.

I took part in the Mazda/Topaz Drive Safe, Drive Smart driving a Mazda2 with diesel power across the same 100km route in west Wicklow and Kildare. I finished up in Templelogue, Dublin with an impressive 4.0 litres/100km (70 mpg), just 12% off the professional driver team ranking.

The car used in the test was the new Mazda2. “Thanks to the weight-saving strategy during the car’s development, the Mazda2 delivers low-cost motoring with class-leading fuel economy and low C02 emissions,” according to David McGonigle, MD Mazda Motor Ireland.

“Learning these smarter driving tips could save up to 30% off your current fuel bill,” he added.

The cars in the trial used Topaz Clean Fuel, which includes a special additive which gives drivers increased fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

Independent field trials have shown its use can increase engine efficiency by up to 3% or approximately 400 miles a year for the average Irish motorist, according to Topaz Chief Executive Danny Murray.

• Change up early through the gears. Shift up between 1.700 and 2.500 revolutions (depending on vehicle)

• Ensure you adopt a smooth style of driving – ease into acceleration

• Avoid tailgating. Keep your distance between vehicles to ensure you brake smoothly 

• Reduce your speed, driving at 110 KPH uses 15% more fuel than at 80 KPH

• Use Cruise Control for Motorway driving to maintain a constant speed, as it can prove 7% average fuel savings

• If you have stopped for more than 40 seconds (e.g. level crossing), save fuel by switching off the engine

• Use the Air Conditioning sparingly as it can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20%

• Check tire pressure regularly

• Ensure your vehicle is serviced regularly

• Remove unnecessary weight from the your car (golf clubs, roof racks etc)

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