Drive Safe and save lives; drive smart and save money

82 miles per gallon achieved in latest road test but motoring journalists push experts all the way

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

Thursday 23rd Oct: A team of expert drivers in the Mazda/Topaz Drive Safe, Drive Smart campaign have achieved an amazing 3.44L/100kms (81.97 miles per gallon) in a road test aimed at highlighting the benefits of driving safely and more fuel efficiently.

The team of Johnny Horan and Alastair Lindsey achieved the hugely impressive figures in a Mazda 2 car on a 100 kilometre route between Kill in Co Kildare and Templeogue in Dublin.

But they were pushed all the way in the test by brothers and journalists Conor and Brian Twomey who achieved 3.47L 100kms (81.312 miles per gallon)

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.

Another team of journalists who were driving a diesel Mazda 2 in the event achieved 4.06L/100kms (69.6 miles per gallon).

Eddie Rock Assistant Commissioner of the Garda Traffic Corp and Noel Brett Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority both attended the event. In a joint appeal for motorists to moderate their speed, they said “Speeding is responsible for more than 40% of fatal traffic accidents in Ireland. People need to drive appropriately to the prevailing conditions and not to use permissible speed limits as their sole guide. This message is for everyone but particularly for younger drivers and motorcyclists, a disproportionate number of whom are killed on our roads every year. As this initiative shows, driving at moderate speeds also makes financial sense as drivers will save money while it is also more environmentally friendly”.

Conor Faughnan who participated in the event said “initiatives like this show that driving at moderate speeds is a win-win situation for all concerned. If drivers follow the guidelines (see Top Tips below) less people will be killed or injured on our roads, people will save money and CO2 emissions will be cut”. Conor said it was eye opening to see what great mileage figures could be attained as well as being great fun to take part in. “Mazda and Topaz are to be complimented for highlighting road safety and fuel efficiency in an imaginative yet practical fashion” he said.

The car used in the test was the new Mazda 2. “Thanks to the weight-saving strategy during the car’s development, the Mazda 2 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.” (See Table below)
 
Topaz Chief Executive Danny Murray said “Here at Topaz we were delighted to co-sponsor this initiative and we hope all motorists will take on board the key safety message. Commenting on the greater fuel efficiency achieved Mr Murray said. “The cars in today’s 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.”

TOP TIPS FOR INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

• 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)

 TABLE 1 (For illustrative purposes): Fuel Cost Savings (based on combined figures).   

    
For further Information contact;
Richard Molloy PR Manager Mazda 2334750 or 087 – 2552215 or
Kieran Garry MKC Communications at 01 – 7038603 or 087 – 2368366.