Question.... is the Suzuki Swift DDiS more fuel efficient than walking? Some think so, as
this 1.3-litre diesel powered supermini has travelled 764 miles on a single tank of fuel. That
is only 42-litres. At the helm was Donn Anderson, a motoring journalist from New Zealand.
As such, this light footed adventurer coaxed the Swift from Auckland to Wellington
averaging 83.4mpg. How? By cruising as far as practical between fifty and sixty miles per-
hour. Mr Anderson hinted, in fact, that the Swift DDiS could have burned even less fuel
had he not encountered strong wind and rain. Perhaps try England for nice weather, Donn.
This is the latest feather in the fuel tank for the Suzuki Swift DDiS.
In the United Kingdom
last year, for starters, Ross Durkin from Fleet World magazine averaged an even more
impressive 86.4mpg during the annual MPG Marathon. Another Swift managed 84.6mpg
over the 370 mile route. However, a word of caution. Donn and Ross are clearly expert
drivers and Suzuki do not claim that everyone can manage 80+mpg. In fact, the Swift
DDiS officially averages 67.3mpg, rising to 78.5mpg on the extra-urban cycle. In town,
where cars tend to be least efficient, this run-around officially returns 55.4mpg. Still
impressive though, as is its 109g/km emission figure. But I still reckon walking uses less
fuel.
By Stephen Turvil
Mon, 25 Jun 2012