GOING THE EXTRA MILE: SIX-TIME WORLD RECORD HOLDER SHOWS HOW DRIVING STYLE CAN HELP CUT YOUR FUEL COSTS

• Six-time Guinness World Record holder Kevin Booker applies efficiency techniques learned from record-breaking drives to show how everyday motorists can get more from every gallon of fuel
• In real-world conditions, Kevin achieved 79mpg in a Dacia Duster Journey hybrid 155 – around 29% better than its official 61.4mpg economy figure
• Replicated over a year, that improvement could save the average UK driver around £190 annually(2) at current petrol prices – almost £16 a month – enough to cover the cost of a monthly TV streaming subscription(3)
• Duster hybrid 155’s full hybrid powertrain, light weight, regenerative braking and robust, no-nonsense design make it an ideal test bed for real-world efficiency driving
• Kevin's practical advice includes smoother acceleration, better anticipation, steady motorway speeds, correct tyre pressures and making better use of terrain
• Duster is available in three trim levels with mild hybrid 140 and hybrid 155 powertrains, priced from £21,845 on-the-road

With higher costs for fuel, and new research from Dacia revealing that 62% of UK motorists(1) have reduced how much they drive in the past three months, Dacia has teamed up with six-time Guinness World Record holder Kevin Booker to show how drivers can get more from every gallon.

Kevin, who helps businesses and communities cut running costs by applying efficient driving techniques, has already recorded a fuel economy improvement of around 29% in early running with the Dacia Duster Journey hybrid 155. That’s the equivalent of increasing the Duster hybrid 155’s already efficient 61.4mpg official economy figure to 79mpg, just by adopting a more efficient driving style.

For an average UK driver, a 29% improvement in economy could equate to around £190 a year(2) in fuel savings at current petrol prices. That works out at almost £16 a month – enough to cover the cost of a monthly TV streaming subscription(3), with change left over. For a driver covering 10,000 miles annually, the saving is even greater at around £265 a year.

Rather than relying on one single trick, Kevin says efficiency comes from a combination of smoother driving, better anticipation, correct vehicle preparation and understanding how the car’s technology works.

He said: “The Dacia Duster Journey hybrid 155 is a really interesting car to apply these techniques to because it gives drivers several different ways to influence efficiency. It’s surprisingly light, especially for an SUV, with a hybrid system that can recover energy very effectively through regenerative braking, while rewarding smooth, anticipatory driving.

“The key is learning how to work with the car to make the most of it. Being heavy with the throttle and brakes wastes energy. If you read the road, carry momentum where it is safe to do so and let the hybrid system do what it is designed for, you can make a real difference. I’ve already seen around a 29% improvement, and the aim of these sessions is to show drivers that efficiency is not just about the car you buy, but how you use it.”

Dacia’s research(1) suggests the nation’s motorists are likely to welcome Kevin’s advice, with 63% saying they now only drive when necessary and almost half (44%) aiming to maintain steady speeds on motorways. The findings show drivers are becoming increasingly mindful of fuel economy, and are looking for practical ways to get more from every journey.

The hybrid 155 combines a petrol engine with two electric motors, allowing drivers to benefit from electric-only running in urban conditions, while regenerative braking recovers energy that would otherwise be lost, helping to maximise efficiency still further.

Kevin’s advice for drivers includes:

1. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic

Reading the road ahead helps drivers avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. In a hybrid, smooth driving can also help maximise energy recovery and keep the car operating efficiently.

2. Reduce unnecessary weight and drag

Extra weight in the boot and unused roof boxes or racks make the car work harder. Removing them can help improve fuel economy, particularly on longer journeys.

3. Maintain a steady speed on motorways

Constant acceleration and overtaking can increase fuel use without significantly improving journey times. A smoother, steadier pace is usually more efficient.

4. Keep tyres properly maintained

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which can reduce efficiency. Drivers should check pressures regularly and follow manufacturer recommendations.

5. Use the terrain to your advantage

Hills can have a major impact on fuel use. Carrying momentum where safe and making use of regenerative braking on descents can help reduce wasted energy.

6. Corner smoothly

Setting the right speed before a corner and maintaining smooth inputs reduces unnecessary braking and acceleration, both of which can waste fuel.

7. Keep your vehicle well maintained

A well-maintained car will usually perform more efficiently. Regular servicing, correct oil and good-quality components can all contribute to better real-world economy.

Lina Ribeiro, Dacia Brand Director for the UK:

"Dacia has always been about giving people the freedom to explore, without asking them to spend more than they need to. With family budgets under pressure and summer adventures on the horizon, Duster hybrid 155 is exactly the kind of car we believe in: practical, robust, efficient and ready for real life. With Kevin’s advice, families can afford to venture even further afield.”