Volkswagen Golf TDI sets new US fuel economy record

A Volkswagen Golf TDI has set a new fuel economy record by visiting all 48 contiguous US states and consuming less than 385 litres of diesel along the way.

During the 13250.5 kilometre journey through each of the lower 48 states — that’s every one except Alaska and Hawaii — the 112kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Golf drank an average of 2.9 l/100km. In terms of fuel, the 16 day journey cost a mere US$294.98 ($397.64).

Under the US Environmental Protection Agency’s testing cycle, the 112kW Golf TDI has a highway fuel economy rating of 5.22 l/100km.

According to Volkswagen, the only changes to vehicle were the fitment of Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tyres, a Linear Logic ScanGauge II to measure fuel economy and a Garmin GPS that conforms to Guinness World Records’ tracking requirements.