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Global Green Car Challenge Update: Halfway

THE GLOBAL GREEN CAR Challenge kicked off on Saturday, and now that the 3000km event is around the halfway mark, it’s time for an update on the teams’ efforts.
HSV’s unlikely entry, the V8-powered E-Series II Maloo ute has so far achieved a remarkable av


THE GLOBAL GREEN CAR Challenge kicked off on Saturday, and now that the 3000km event is around the halfway mark, it's time for an update on the teams' efforts.

HSV's unlikely entry, the V8-powered E-Series II Maloo ute has so far achieved a remarkable average fuel consumption of 7.35 l/100km - a 51 percent improvement on its official 15.1 l/100km rating.

Ford's Falcon XR6 Turbo entry has fared similarly well with a 39 percent improvement, averaging 7.09 l/100km compared to its official rating of 11.7 l/100km.

Despite the Maloo and the Falcon swapping the lead a number of times yesterday, it hasn't been the world's fastest Holden versus Ford battle, with both teams averaging speeds of around 75km/h.

Skoda's Superb 2.0 TDI entry has so far managed an average of 4.6 l/100km, compared to its official 5.4 l/100km rating.

The all-new 2010 Kia Sorento, launched only last week, has made the most of its new R-series 2.2 litre CRDi turbo diesel to achieve 5.17 l/100km (as at October 26) - down from its official 6.7 l/100km rating.

The Hyundai Santa Fe - powered by the same R-series diesel - is a hair's breadth away from its Kia cousin, achieving 5.24 l/100km.

Suzuki's David and Goliath battle in the three-cylinder 1.0 litre Alto has achieved a figure nearly a litre better than its official 4.8 l/100km rating, averaging just 3.99 l/100km in the event so far.

“With a further 1500km of highway cruising left to go Suzuki is extremely confident of even better engine performance. Numerous overseas tests have returned fuel figures of less than three litres per 100 kilometres,” Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers said.

“We are keenly anticipating the Alto’s return to suburbia on the last day for the final 100km urban loop through the streets of Adelaide. This is where the Alto will really come into its own.”

Holden's SIDI-equipped Omega Sportwagon has so far achieved 6.75 l/100km, against an official rating of 9.3 l/100km. While unofficial in terms of the challenge, Holden says that today's trip computer readout offered up 5.0 l/100km.

The MINI Cooper D, with an official rating of 3.9 l/100km was 'up against it' in its efforts to better its official figure, but nonetheless returned a 3.5 l/100km readout at the end of Day 4.

Ford's recently revealed Fiesta ECOnetic went the Cooper D one better, the slick diesel hatch returning 3.18 l/100km, compared to its official 3.7 l/100km rating.

And finally, the all-electric Tesla Roadster successfully broke the world record for the longest distance between battery charges, reaching 501km before needing to plug in. The previous record was 430km.

The Global Green Car Challenge continues, so stay tuned for an update at the end of the event.

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