France, October 2008. Two Renault engineers get behind the wheel of a 105 hp 1.5 dCi version of New Mégane. Their mission is to drive from the Technocentre in the Paris suburbs to the Palencia plant in Spain, on one tank, using the least fuel possible and respecting eco-driving principles.

The drivers head out at 7am. Their average speed is 91.3 kph, going up to 110 kph on the highway. The car arrives at Palencia after 11 hours and 1,104 km, having notched up some excellent figures: New Mégane needed just 46.7 liters of fuel to cover the distance and averaged 4.2 l/100 km. It even had enough fuel left in the tank to do another 200 km!

Total fuel consumption: 46.7 l
Distance travelled: 1,104 km
Average fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km

Turkey, September 2008. Three 85 hp 1.5 dCi New Renault Symbols leave Istanbul with full tanks, sealed by an independent monitor. The objective is to complete a 1,430-km loop consuming the least fuel possible and applying eco-driving principles.

This event, the Renault Symbol Eco-Challenge, is held on a range of public roads to reflect the everyday car journeys of regular customers. On arrival, average fuel consumption for New Renault Symbol fitted with the 85 hp 1.5 dCi engine was 3.15 l/100 km (for 85 g/km of CO₂), representing a total range of 1,700 km. The vehicle needed a mere 45 liters to do 1,430 km!

Total fuel consumption: 45 l
Average fuel consumption: 3.15 l/100 km
Distance travelled: 1,430 km