How far can three tanks of gas take you? Professional fuel miser Mark Whittaker says it’s not just what you drive, but how you drive that matters
How far can three tanks of gas take you?
Photo: Liam O’Malley
Professional fuel miser Mark Whittaker says it’s not just what you drive, but how you drive that matters. To prove the point, this mechanic turned car consultant is attempting to set a fuel economy record, driving from the tip to the toe of New Zealand in a Mini Cooper D. Before setting out on his quest, Mark spoke to Good.
Wouldn’t a hybrid have been better?
The Mini Cooper D averages 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, which means it ties with the new Toyota Prius for the title of ‘New Zealand’s most fuel efficient car’. And the mixture of terrain—windy roads and motorway driving—is where a small diesel car truly excels in terms of fuel economy. The car also has its own clever fuel-saving technologies, such as Auto Start/Stop, which stops the engine at intersections and restarts it automatically. Above all, the Mini proves that economical cars can also be terrific fun to drive.
Surely cycling the length of the country would be even better for the environment?
That’s true. And I advocate other means of transport first where practical. But given society’s heavy dependence on cars, I think it’s important to demonstrate that what we drive and how we drive can make a big difference. I am certain that one day, fossil fuels will no longer power our cars, but until then there are plenty of ways to reduce vehicle emissions using technology we’ve already got.
How much difference does driver behaviour make when it comes to fuel efficiency?
We all know that the bigger the engine, the more fuel a car is likely to use. But even for cars with small engines, or those with dual drive trains such as hybrids, driving style can make as much as 30 percent difference. Simply changing your driving style might cut your emissions by a lot more than changing your car, although what you drive certainly plays an important part.
What sort of driving techniques do you teach that can make such a difference?
Anticipation, smoothness and vehicle settings are all key areas. For example, most drivers don’t look far enough ahead. They should be looking up to 20 seconds ahead, not the typical two to five seconds. Continually slowing down and speeding up uses a lot more fuel than maintaining a constant speed. Look well ahead and keep a long following distance so you don’t have to brake for the cars in front.
Ease off the accelerator early when approaching a red light, giving it time to turn green. You won’t lose momentum so won’t have to accelerate back up to speed.
‘Eco-driving’ need not be boring, either. Many people find it challenging to see what they can achieve. Taking a ‘racing line’ through a corner, whereby you start wide, find the apex and then ‘straighten the bend’, means no lost momentum, thus maximising fuel efficiency.
If ‘eco-driving’ means staying off the brakes, isn’t it a bit unsafe?
No. It’s quite the opposite. Seeing something earlier by looking further ahead allows you to react earlier. Smooth steering, acceleration and deceleration mean better control, which means better fuel economy.
Review: Mini me
The Mini turned 50 this year, as loved today as it was by 60s hipsters. Along the way, the iconic Mini has picked up fans among the aristocracy, punk rockers and young urban sophisticates. Sarah Heeringa takes one for a spin
My first car was a Mini. I’d park it next to my Dad’s minivan and my brother’s Clubman, pimped with tinted windows and fluffy dice. But that was a while ago, and we’ve both been around the block a few times since then.
Minis exude youthful exuberance—and a tendency to irrational fondness in owners past and present. While my old Mini was as basic as cars come, the shiny red model I climb into today has all the fancy knobs and knockers: a six-speed gearbox for maximum chop, air conditioning, stability control, a sporty steering wheel, six airbags, gleaming alloy wheels, height-adjustable front seats, flash stereo, an onboard computer and a grunty diesel engine. Instead of two modest dials and a couple of switches, the dashboard incorporates several large, round, Hello Kittyish looking displays plus all manner of buttons and flashing data.
But despite the extra sophistication, more than a trace of my old Mini remains. It’s still deliciously small, low to the ground and delivers that famous go-cart-like handling. I’m 18 again.
Stopping at the lights, I put the car in neutral and take my foot off the clutch. The engine abruptly falls into silence, but as soon as I touch the clutch pedal, it re-starts. This automatic start-stop technology is quite disconcerting as first, but in no time I’m enjoying the quiet moments at the lights—and I’m gaining fuel and emissions savings of around nine percent.
Mini, I think I’ve fallen in love again.
The facts
Mini Cooper D
- Average fuel consumption: 3.9 litres/100km
- CO2 emissions: 104 g/km
- Engine: 4 cylinders, six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
- Best feature: Auto Start/Stop
- Style rating: Serious retro chic
- My recommendation: If you can afford it, get it
- Price: $40,900
- Length: 3,709mm
- Width: 1,459mm
- Height: 1,407mm
- Fuel tank: approximately 40 litres
