Vauxhall Vivaro ecoFLEX

Vauxhall’s British-built Vivaro ecoFLEX has triumphed in the Fleet World MPG Marathon with a stunning 59.31 per cent improvement on the combined fuel economy figure.

Although an improvement of this magnitude won’t be possible for all van drivers, it does show what’s possible with a little effort and highlights the benefits of choosing the most eco-friendly model when buying a new van.

In expert hands

Driven by Vauxhall’s archivist and resident eco-driving expert Andrew Duerden, with co-driver Neil McIntee, Editor of VansA2Z.com, the 2.0CDTi-powered Vivaro ecoFLEX registered an impressive 65.16mpg against a combined figure of 40.90mpg.

This sensational result was not only the best percentage improvement for a commercial vehicle but also overall including cars as well as vans.  Soundly beaten rivals included the new-to-market Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Transporter.

The Fleet World MPG Marathon is the UK longest-running economy driving event.  The two-day event took place in the Cotswolds with separate routes covering 350 miles of countryside including a mixture of A and B roads and motorway driving.

“Neil and I are, as they say, over the moon to win the overall best percentage improvement in the Vivaro ecoFLEX,” said Andrew Duerden.  “Fuel economy is a top priority for Vauxhall customers looking to reduce running costs and our MPG Marathon win proves what a frugal van the Luton-built Vivaro is.”

Green technology

Launched earlier this year, the revised Vivaro ecoFLEX features a range of green technology features, including exhaust gas recirculation cooling and optimised gear ratios.  There’s also improved thermal management, low rolling resistance tyres and an aerodynamic kit.

Vauxhall’s MPG Marathon win comes hot on the heels of the Luton-based manufacturer topping the van sales charts to private buyers and small businesses in the crucial plate change month of September, something it also managed in March.