Honda Engineers Set Fuel Efficiency Record in Civic Diesel

Honda Motor Co. set a new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption through all 24 European Union countries. A pair of Honda engineers averaged 100.31 mpg in a Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC over the 24-day, 8,387-mile trek the equivalent of travelling from the U.K. to Australia.

The unmodified Civic Tourer hatchback was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. The engine makes 118 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Drivers Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren, who have worked together for 18 years as members of Honda's European research and development team, drove about 380 miles per day at an average speed of 51 mph. They began and ended the trip in Aalst, Belgium.

During the 24-day trip, the Civic Tourer averaged 932 miles per tank of diesel fuel and only had to be refueled nine times at a total cost of 645 euros ($705). The 100-mpg average is more than 25% better than the Civic Tourer's 74.3 mpg rating on the European test cycle.

Honda credits the record run to careful route planning, smooth throttle and braking inputs, anticipating upcoming road conditions, proper maintenance and carrying as little weight as possible.