Fuel-beater record for Peugeot

The Guinness Book of World Records has recognised another fuel-economy first, this time from across the ditch.

A diesel-powered Peugeot 406 set a record for the longest distance travelled on a single tank of fuel.

On its 70-litre tank, the standard Peugeot 406 HDi sedan covered 2348.3km between Melbourne and Rockhampton, averaging, says Peugeot, a mere 2.88 litres/100km, or 97.96mpg.

But it arrived in the central Queensland city with 2.31 litres left, therefore using 67.69 litres for the journey at a fuel cost of A$52.13, or $60.75.

Driver John Taylor, holder of many long-distance driving records in Australia and Europe, and his wife Helen were joined by an official observer for the record-breaking attempt.

The Peugeot carried luggage for three in the boot.

The trip took 36 hours - at an agonisingly slow average speed of 65.23km/h.

The observer was a member of the Singapore Armed Forces Motoring Association. He sealed the car's fuel tank on setting out and checked the odometer along the way for accuracy.

For the trainspotters, the team left the Melbourne suburb of Hillside and drove up the Hume Highway to Seymour, Newell Highway to Goondiwindi, Gore Highway to Toowoomba and Burnett Highway to Rockhampton.