Volkswagen Passat Bluemotion Sets Fuel Efficiency World Record

Volkswagen announced that it now holds the world record for the longest distance covered by a production passenger car on a single tank of fuel.

A Volkswagen Passat Bluemotion driven by journalist Gavin Conway writing for the Sunday Times managed to travel 1,531 miles (2,465 km) without refueling.

“In setting the record the Passat BlueMotion traveled a distance of 1,531-miles, the equivalent of driving from London to Malaga, without needing to refuel or traveling from Los Angeles to New York with a single stop for fuel,” stated the press release.

The record breaking feat was monitored by independent representatives on behalf of the Guinness World Records organization. The vehicle uses a total of 77.25 liters of fuel, resulting in an overall fuel consumption of 74 U.S. mpg (3.13 liters per 100 km).

The Passat Bluemotion used was a standard production model. The vehicle is powered by a 1.6-liter common rail TDI engine that delivers 105 hp and comes with multiple features that are aimed at reducing fuel consumption with some examples being a stop-start system and certain aerodynamic modifications to the body.

“In common with the Polo and Golf BlueMotion models, the Passat is fitted with aerodynamic modifications to the bodywork, a lower ride height, Stop-Start, programmed battery charging, longer gearing and low rolling resistance tyres. The result is a vehicle that is completely conventional to drive, service and maintain yet among the most efficient vehicles on the road today,” stated the press release.