Thrifty Alto shines on energy run

Donn Anderson achieved the Suzuki Alto's best performance in the petrol car category. Photo / Supplied

THE Suzuki Alto maintained its thrifty reputation after a star performance in the four-day AA Energywise Rally run over North Island roads.

The five-door Alto hatchback - the lowest-priced, least-powerful car in the event - won several awards and was the most economical petrol-engined vehicle.

The three-cylinder, 1-litre Alto averaged 4.466 litres/100km (63.2mpg) in the 1763km event, winning the award for the most efficient petrol car. Fuel cost for the Alto was $153.45.

Driven by motoring writer Donn Anderson and his wife, Lynne, the Alto achieved its best performance on the final day from Rotorua to Auckland via Tauranga when it consumed only 3.966 litres/100km (71.2mpg).

The Alto was also judged the lowest emission petrol or diesel car in the national rally, producing just 103.88g of CO2/km.

This compared with 102.11g of CO2/km for the overall winning Toyota Prius petrol/electric hybrid car.

"Although the average speeds were high and the weather conditions often appalling, the Alto handled the tough schedule well," said Donn Anderson.

"Our overall result would have been even better had we not suffered a time and fuel penalty on the third day when we were the only competing car stranded by a road services truck, which blocked the highway near Rotorua for several minutes."

The supreme award, for the car that cost the least to complete the rally, including fuel and road user charges, went to the new hybrid vehicle, the Honda Insight S, costing $147.83 to cover the distance.

The driver award, for the team that achieved the greatest percentage improvement on the manufacturer's fuel consumption figure, went to Emma Gilmour, Donald Holder and Stan Tucker driving the Subaru WRX STI, beating the manufacturer's figure by almost 23 per cent.

The environmental award, for the car that completed the distance with the lowest overall CO2 emissions, went to the Toyota Prius, which emitted 102.11g CO2/km.

The rally takes place every two years and is jointly organised by the AA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), and Gull Petroleum New Zealand.

In addition to the supreme, driver and environmental awards, vehicles compete in eight different classes, ranging from micro to commercial, for the title of the most fuel-efficient vehicle in that class.

There are also three category awards for the most fuel-efficient petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. EECA chief executive Mike Underhill says: "What the rally consistently shows is that the way you drive your car makes a massive difference to the amount of fuel you use.

"And fuel efficient driving is something every single motorist can do."

WINNERS

* Small - Honda Jazz 1.3-litre
* Compact - Honda Insight S hybrid
* Medium - Toyota Camry hybrid
* Large - BMW 520d SE sedan
* Small Lifestyle - Mitsubishi ASX Sport 1.8-lite 4WD diesel
* Large Lifestyle - Subaru Outback 2.0D Euro spec
* Petrol - Suzuki Alto
* Diesel - Mini Cooper diesel
* Hybrid - Toyota Prius

SINGLE ENTRY CATEGORIES

* Micro - Suzuki Alto
* Commercial - Volkswagen Transporter TDI