A motorist who holds six Guinness World Records for efficient driving has shared everyday tips that could save the typical driver approximately £200 annually on fuel. Kevin Booker, from Wales, achieved 79 miles per gallon in a Dacia Duster Journey hybrid 155 in real-world conditions, compared with its official economy figure of 61.4mpg.
Record-breaking fuel economy
Booker's techniques come as diesel prices surge to record levels and research from Dacia shows 62% of Britons have reduced their driving to save money amid the rising cost of living, while 63% now only drive when absolutely necessary.
The Duster hybrid combines a petrol engine with two electric motors and is priced from £21,845 new. Booker suggests a driver covering 7,100 miles annually could save around £204 at current petrol prices, while someone driving 10,000 miles per year could save nearly £290.
Seven tips for better fuel economy
Booker's first tip is to look further ahead, spotting traffic and junctions early to slow down gently instead of braking hard and accelerating again. Second, he advises emptying the boot of unnecessary items and removing unused roof boxes or racks, as extra weight and drag force the car to work harder.
Third, he recommends maintaining a consistent motorway speed, noting that frequent acceleration and overtaking can consume more fuel without significantly affecting arrival time. Fourth, he urges drivers to check tyre pressures regularly, as under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance.
Smooth driving and maintenance
Fifth, Booker suggests making use of hills by anticipating the road ahead and carrying momentum where safe, adding that in a hybrid, slowing on a descent can help recover energy through regenerative braking. Sixth, he advises taking corners smoothly, getting down to an appropriate speed before the bend and avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration through it.
Seventh, he stresses the importance of keeping up with servicing, saying a properly maintained car is more likely to run efficiently, so routine servicing and the correct oil and components should not be neglected.
Dacia's survey of 1,000 UK motorists revealed 44% said they attempt to maintain a steady speed on motorways. Lina Ribeiro, Dacia brand director for the UK, said: "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 an expensive winter ahead for Brits. 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."
