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Frugal Ford Fiesta wins 2013 MPG Marathon

A Ford Fiesta ECOnetic has been declared the winner of the 2013 ALD Automotive / Shell FuelSave MPG Marathon for the second year in a row, after out-performing a field of over 23 vehicles.

Nick Chapman and Rosemary Homer from Leicestershire County Council won the annual eco-run, piloting the 1.6 diesel-engined Titanium model to 88.69mpg over 339.3 miles.

The annual event puts efficient driving skills to the test, as drivers must complete the distance by using the least amount of fuel possible. This year's course was considered the toughest yet with 46 competitors driving from Tankersley Manor near Sheffield and negotiating hill climbs, bad weather and heavy traffic.

In the LCV section, the Ford Fiesta Sport Van, driven by BBC transport correspondent Paul Clifton and his son Doug, covered 362.9 miles with just 3.33 gallons of diesel - an impressive 108.82mpg, beating the Ford's official combined figure of 78.5mpg by 38.62 per cent. With CO2 emissions of just 95g/km, the Fiesta Van proves commercial vehicle drivers can be just as efficient as those in cars.

Both Fiesta models are powered by a frugal 95PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with efficient technology features including Auto-Start-Stop, lowered suspension, aerodynamic rear under-tray and wheel trims, and low rolling resistance tyres.

A Ford Transit Custom ECOnetic driven by Andy Dawson and Andrew Marriott won the Class 9 section with an impressive 53.8mpg over the course with a 20 per cent improvement over the official combined fuel consumption figure of 46.3mpg.