After completing more than 410 miles on the gruelling ALD Automotive/TOTAL Excellium Fleet World MPG Marathon 2008, a Mazda2 diesel entered by Mazda Motors UK has secured a splendid second-place finish, recording an exceptional 84.58 mpg.

The objective of the MPG Marathon was to promote eco-driving and highlight the fuel savings that are possible with a little thought and the use of 'smarter motoring' techniques. A demanding route over a wide variety of roads in mid-Wales and the north-west Midlands attracted a field of 39 cars and crews from 22 manufacturers - representing a broad cross-section of vehicles. The event challenged crews "to improve upon the car's official 'combined cycle' fuel economy figure" by the biggest margin.

Mazda2 1.4 5dr TS2 Diesel crew members - motoring journalist Sue Cooke and her daughter Joanne - fully exploited the supermini's light weight and smooth aerodynamics, plus the engine's 68 PS and excellent torque (160 Nm at 2,000 rpm). After two days of competitive 'economy' driving, they scored a 19 per cent improvement on the combined cycle figure (65.7 mpg) of this popular Mazda, while averaging 40 mph. The Mazda2 diesel has a CO2 rating of just 114 g/km and qualifies in the £35 road fund licence band.

A delighted Sue commented: "I have never regarded my driving style as being expertly economical, but adopting a common-sense approach and employing some basic 'smarter motoring' techniques - accelerating gently, shifting-up early and planning ahead to avoid unnecessary braking - allowed us to clearly demonstrate the huge fuel economy potential of the Mazda2."

Ultimately, seven cars achieved more than 70 mpg and eight recorded more than 80 mpg. Event organiser, Ross Durkin, publisher of Fleet World magazine, explained: "It's not what you drive, but how you drive that makes the difference. Once again this event has shown that skilled driving techniques work and can make a dramatic impact upon miles per gallon."