On Monday June 1st Fergal McGarth and Julian Warren stepped into the Honda Civic Tourer which would be their home from home for the next 25 days. They are driving 8,500 miles through 24 countries around Europe.
The drive follows on from independent tests where Honda’s 1.6 i-DTEC engine has consistently out-performed its quoted fuel efficiency in real-world driving conditions. Keen to establish this beyond all question, Honda aims to set a benchmark with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title.
The pair of drivers set out from Aalst in Belgium on a route which will take them through 24 European countries, driving around 7.5 hours a day to get them back to Aalst 25 days later.
Fergal and Julian, who volunteered for the challenge, have been colleagues in Honda’s European Research and Development team for 18 years. They know the Civic Tourer well, having worked on its development. And last year they took it to first place in the MPG Marathon, organised by Fleet World Magazine, driving 330 miles around the UK and averaging 97.92mpg – a 31.8% improvement on the car’s quoted fuel economy figure.
‘We enjoyed that so much that we had no hesitation about volunteering for this challenge, which is similar but on an epic scale,’ said Fergal. ‘We are passionate about the car and its incredible fuel economy.’
The drivers’ luggage, spares etc are carried in a support vehicle, a Civic Tourer of course!
To keep fuel consumption low, the drivers’ luggage, spares etc are carried in a support car. The route has also been devised to avoid built-up areas, heavy traffic and hills, as much as possible. But it does still represent ‘real-world’ conditions, and has been approved as rigorous and credible by Guinness World Records.
There are a few simple techniques the drivers will use. They will aim to drive at a constant, consistent speed – avoiding heavy application of the throttle and brakes.
Tyre pressures are checked daily to ensure they are at the recommended pressures. And as rule they’re not using cruise control, as this makes it easier for the driver to get a ‘feel’ for the engine – to find that ‘sweet spot’ for optimum fuel economy based on the road conditions.
Fergal and Julian enjoying the sunshine after a well-earned ‘pit-stop’
But Julian points out: ‘We are not ‘trained’ eco-drivers – these are simple techniques, largely common sense, which any driver can use.’
To verify the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt, Fergal and Julian have to collect written and photographic evidence along the way, including video, photographs and independent witness signatures. The car is also fitted with a telematics tracking device to provide journey information in real-time and allow supporters – including the drivers’ families and children back home – to follow their progress.
The rules state that the same two drivers must be in the car all the time, stopping only to sleep, eat and refuel. Quite a challenge for a friendship. ‘Yes we are friends now,’ quips Julian. ‘But let’s see if we still are after 25 long days in a car together!”
The fuel tank has to be filled to the maximum at each fuel stop
Everyone back at Honda will be following their progress with interest. Kate Saxton of Honda Motor Europe says: “Since its launch in 2013 we have seen the 1.6 i-DTEC engine consistently over-perform on real-world fuel efficiency in our Civic, Civic Tourer and CR-V models, and this is our opportunity to put it to the ultimate test on a huge scale. We are very confident of a great result and we wish the team all the very best of luck as they take on the challenge.”
Follow the record attempt on Twitter @FergalAndJulian #RealFuelChallenge
