The Aygo uses a three-cylinder, 1-litre, normally-aspirated petrol engine with record-winning thermal efficiency to achieve excellent fuel consumption. Piloted by experienced motoring journalist and Women on Wheels (WOW) editor; Carri-Anne Leathern and joined by yoga instructor Roxanne Jones as navigator – the all-ladies team proved to be a formidable force, consistently placing in the top three over the course of the five-day event.

The Aygo impressed by delivering very consistent fuel consumption figures – despite the varied terrain, altitude and climate – with very little deviation in its fuel index versus some of its peers.

In the end the Aygo duet took out the class win for I1 (Petrol Saloons and Hatches Normally Aspirated sub 1199cc), beating the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX MT and Renault Kwid Climber.

With an average fuel index of 4.8328 l/100km over the duration of the competition, the pairing were also rewarded with an impressive 2nd overall placing as well as being the highest-placed all-female crew.

Carri-Anne had the following comment on achieving the 2nd place overall finish:

“Our strategy going into the Fuel Economy Tour was to drive the Aygo in as real-world a manner as possible - so that the numbers would be achievable by anyone behind the wheel. In shakedown testing, we saw only a small variance in fuel consumption between slow, efficient driving and driving normally at the speed limit. We decided that driving normally to get to each check point within the time-frame allocated, and not accrue penalties was our main priority.

The conditions and routes we drove perfectly simulate realistic holiday drives and thus fuel consumption numbers. I'm incredibly happy with the Aygo's performance, winning its class and mixing it up in 2nd place flanked by diesel engines in the overall results. We hope this event continues to gain traction and attendance from other manufacturers.”

HILUX LEGEND 50 2.8 GD-6 ACHIEVES IMPRESSIVE FIGURES

South Africa’s best-selling vehicle, the celebrated Toyota Hilux, showed its mettle in 2.8 GD-6 4x2 D/C Legend 50 guise by recording an impressive 6.9412 //100km fuel consumption figure in class D2.

The driver/navigator pairing of George Smallberger and Jaco Britz, showed that the 2.8 GD-6 variant of the Hilux could easily compete against the smaller displacement turbodiesels of class D1 and in turn claimed class victory for Turbo Diesel Double-Cab Bakkies over 2500cc.

LEXUS UX HYBRID CLAIMS HYBRID VICTORY

The Lexus UX luxury cross-over entrant of Khulekani Dumisa and Sala Masindane (of Khulekani on Wheels fame) flew the flag for Hybrid-powered vehicles in the competition. The Lexus UX 250h SE showcased its acclaimed blend of sharp looks, luxurious appointments and low fuel consumption. Propulsion is provided by an Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, accompanied by an electric motor driving the front wheels through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Whilst Hybrid powertrains tend to favour low-speed urban commutes to maximise the electric power usage - the UX realised laudable fuel consumption figures, ending on 6.0348 l/100km. This figure also beat out the bevy of turbodiesel SUV entrants over 2000cc.

Toyota SA Motors would like to congratulate all the competitors in this maiden Fuel Economy Tour challenge and also thank each one of our participating teams.