The main aim of The Topaz Test was to encourage motorists to adopt more efficient driving techniques and to highlight the fact that not all fuels are the same.
At Kill, in Co Kildare, they were given a briefing on the route by two fuel efficiency experts who also outlined the key elements of efficient driving such as driving in a smooth style at moderate speed, reducing drag by closing the windows and using cruise control on the motorway.
Darran O'Sullivan from Kerry (front left) emerged the winner, winning €1,000 for the charity of his choice, Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide, courtesy of Topaz. The Kerry star achieved a fuel consumption rate of 5.42 litres per 100kms in the 1.6 diesel vehicles which works out at around 50 mpg.
Darran is pictured above with Aidan Walsh (Cork), Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone), and Karl Lacey (Donegal).
Fuel Efficient Driving Tips:
* Ensure your vehicle is serviced regularly and tyres are inflated to correct pressure.
* Plan your journey in advance and remove unnecessary weight from your car (golf clubs, roof racks etc).
* Change up early through the gears. Shift up at around 2,000 rpm for a diesel car, and 2,500 rpm for a petrol car (depending on vehicle).
* Ensure you adopt a smooth style of driving - ease into acceleration and braking. Anticipate road and traffic conditions and adjust speed accordingly in order to eliminate stop/start cycles which use fuel.
* Avoid tailgating. Keep your distance between vehicles to ensure you brake smoothly.
* Reduce your speed, driving at or within speed limits. Driving at 110km/h uses 15 percent more fuel than at 80km/h.
* Use cruise control for motorway driving to maintain a constant speed, as it can provide 7 percent average fuel savings.
* If you have stopped for more than 40 seconds, save fuel by switching off the engine.
* Use the air conditioning sparingly; it can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent.
* Close all windows to reduce drag.
