ASIA!

Around the world in 78 days in a Volkswagen Golf FSI 1.6

They endured extremes of temperature from -15 to 46 degrees Celsius. They drove in for 29,717 kilometres (18,470 miles), across 25 countries.

From London, they set off to France, before hitting Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A. Canada, and then back to the U.S, and later Portugal, Spain, France, and back to London, England.

How much petrol did they use for this gruelling journey?

Just 24 tanks of fuel. That is an average of an impressive 22.2 kilometres per litre (62.7 miles per gallon (European)/ 52.3 miles per US gallon).

In town recently, the Taylors gave their top 10 pointers on how to be the lowest in fuel consumption.

1. Drive Smoothly
   
   Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel than safe driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard and try to keep your steering as smooth as possible.
   

2. Use Higher Gears
   
   The higher the gear you drive in the lower your engine speed is, can improve fuel efficiency. So change up a gear whenever you can, without labouring the engine.
   
   
   
3. Tune and Service Your Engine
   
   A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4%, so change your oil and follow your car manufacturer’s  recommendation on servicing.
   
   
   
4. Keep Your Tyres at the Right Pressure
   
   Correctly inflated tyres are safer and last longer. A tyre that is under inflated by just 1psi can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 3%. An under or over inflated tyre is also more susceptible to failing.
   

5. Avoid Carrying Excess Weight
   
   For every extra 100lbs (45 kg) you carry, your fuel efficiency can drop by 1-2%. So keep your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items that just add weight to your vehicle.
   

6. Fuel Matters
   
   All fuels are not created equal. Fuel economy is maximized in the engine through a combination of good driving habits and using the right fuel – one that helps reduce friction and improves cleanliness in the engine, thereby improving fuel efficiency.
   

7. Avoid Access Idling
   
   Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you’re in a queue, or waiting for someone, until you need it.
   

8. Keep Your Distance
   
   Leave a sensible distance between yourself and the car ahead to give you ample time to brake safely.
   

9. Avoid High Speeds
   
   The faster you go, the more wind resistance you’ll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. Driving just 5mph over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23%.
   

10. Avoid Rush Hour
    
    If you can travel outside of peak times, do so, you’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and consume less fuel as a result.