The idea of the MPG Marathon is to improve on the official fuel consumption figures as provided by the EU, demonstrating that even the less fuel-efficient vehicles can return an improved fuel performance when driven smartly. The cars with the highest overall MPG and biggest percentage improvement are crowned the winners.

This year the car that achieved the best improvement was a Mazda 3 MPS, powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 230bhp on tap. The drivers, Iain Robertson and Rob Marshall, covered the 329.7-mile route from Basingstoke to Torquay with just 7.61 gallons of petrol, an average consumption of 43.34 miles per gallon and an astonishing improvement of 48.95% on the Mazda’s official combined figure of 29.1mpg.

Another top performer was a Ford Focus RS, a car with a not-very-green 2.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet. Officially the RS’s official fuel comsumption is 30.1mpg, and yet it managed to cover the route at an average of 38.53mpg. Not bad for a 300bhp hot hatch that can reach 163mph. You see, now you can afford to run a Focus RS!

The best overall MPG of the event was 96.81mpg, recorded by a diesel Smart ForTwo Coupe.

Hot Hatches Rule In MPG Marathon is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

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Priced at just £21,500 on the road the MPS will undercut it’s competition and yet offer more power and plenty of goodies.

Power comes from a 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that provides a healthy 256bhp and 280lb.ft of torque. The 0-62 sprint is over in just 6.1 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and there’s a torque-sensing limited-slip differential to stop you shredding the front tyres.

While the Mazda3 MPS may not have the power to beat the new Focus RS, Golf R and Leon Cupra R, it certainly does beat the like of the Astra VXR, Focus ST, Golf GTI, Civic Type R and Leon Cupra.

The MPS is easy to spot thanks to a huge intercooler scoop in the bonnet and a massive rear spoiler. Other sporty touches include 18-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights.

Included in the price are a choice of metallic or mica paint, Bluetooth technology, a premium BOSE surround-sound audio system with 10 speakers, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, front bucket sports seats, a new hi-res 11cm information display with a built-in satellite navigation system, and automatic dual zone climate control air conditioning.

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New Mazda3 MPS Undercuts GTI is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

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Due to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Mazda3 MPS follows the same recipe as the current model. Details are sketchy at the moment, but one thing that is known is that it will continue to use the same 2.3-litre direct-injected engine of the old model. Expect a minimum of 256bhp through the front wheels, with 0-60 in under 6 seconds and a top speed of around 155mph. As with most new models these days there should also be a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Mazda have even been good enough to give us a sneak-peek via YouTube.

[Show as slideshow]

2009 Mazda3 MPS Coming Soon is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Related posts:

1. New Mazda3 MPS Undercuts GTI
2. Hot Hatches Rule In MPG Marathon
3. 2009 Golf GTI VI Specs Announced