Helen and John Taylor with a Jeep Patriot diesel. Click image to enlarge
Geneva, Switzerland - Fuel economy enthusiasts John and Helen Taylor have driven a Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot with 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines from London to Berlin on less than a single tank of fuel each. Jeep calls it "an unmatched achievement among SUVs".
"This new achievement helps to establish Jeep Compass and Patriot as industry leaders and proves that it is possible to offer global customers fuel efficiency and capability in the same package," said Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President. "Jeep offers a full line of vehicles powered by efficient diesel engines and we are committed to furthering our efforts to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In fact, at the new Chrysler, we are redesigning our business model with a greater emphasis on fuel-efficient products with features that the customers want and need."
The husband-and-wife team first drove the vehicles 1,059 km between the two European capitals. Upon arrival in Berlin, there was sufficient fuel remaining in both vehicles to continue the journey into Poland. In total, they travelled 1,124.1 km, each with a passenger and their luggage.
During the 21-hour drive, which took them through six countries, Helen Taylor achieved a fuel consumption figure of 4.25 L/100 km in the Compass, while John Taylor achieved 4.18 L/100 km in the Patriot. The marathon was overseen by a representative of the U.K.'s West Midlands Police Force, who ensured that the fuel tanks of both vehicles were sealed at the start of the journey, and verified the odometer readings and all fuelling procedures.
"We drove on normal roads at realistic speeds with two people and their luggage on board and the traffic and weather conditions weren't favourable at all, cold with many traffic jams," John Taylor said. "We used simple fuel economy driving techniques that any driver could replicate."
