5 Minutes
Skoda Superb sets an unlikely fuel-efficiency benchmark
A 2025 European Rally Championship winner just proved that diesel can still beat hybrids for sheer range. Miko Marczyk drove his near-stock Skoda Superb 1,759 miles (2,831 km) on a single 66-liter tank, turning a routine long-distance drive into a Guinness-caliber hypermiling feat.
The run in brief
Marczyk left his home city of Łódź in Poland and followed a cross-border route through Germany to Paris, then returned via the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The average speed was about 80 km/h (roughly 50 mph), optimized for efficiency rather than pace. A support vehicle ran a short distance ahead to relay traffic updates, helping the driver avoid unnecessary braking and keep acceleration smooth.
The car was essentially stock. Modifications were minimal: low rolling-resistance tires and suspension springs borrowed from the Sportline trim, lowering ride height by 15 mm for better aerodynamics. The Superb still had the factory 2.0 TDI mill and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and it had about 20,000 km on the clock before the record attempt.
Impressive fuel economy numbers
The final average consumption was a remarkable 2.61 L/100 km (90.1 mpg imperial), substantially better than the official combined rating of 4.8 L/100 km (49 mpg). On a favorable stretch through France, aided by a tailwind, Marczyk recorded 2.2 L/100 km (106.9 mpg) over 200 km.
Key factors that made the run possible:
- 66-liter fuel tank filled to the brim
- Small 16-inch wheels and low rolling-resistance tires
- Eco driving strategy and Eco mode activated
- Reduced ride height for improved aerodynamics
- Modest curb weight of about 1,590 kg (3,505 lb)
Technical snapshot
- Model: Skoda Superb (liftback sedan form)
- Engine: 2.0-liter TDI diesel
- Power: 148 hp
- Torque: 360 Nm (266 lb-ft)
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
- Transmission: 7-speed DSG
- Fuel tank: 66 liters (17.4 gallons)
Marczyk clearly did not exploit the engine's performance potential. Instead he employed classic hypermiling techniques: steady throttle, anticipating traffic, minimizing speed changes and keeping revs low. The support car was a tactical advantage for maintaining momentum and avoiding stops.
Could 3,000 km be next?
Despite already setting a blistering range record, Marczyk is aiming higher. His new goal is to reach 3,000 km (1,864 miles) on a single tank. He says the earlier attempt included uphill stretches and cold German nights down to 1°C, so with milder conditions and possibly premium diesel he thinks the longer target is realistic.
Context: diesel's shrinking market role
This achievement comes at a moment when diesel is in retreat across Europe. Diesel market share fell from over 50 percent in the early 2010s to around 8.3 percent of new car sales through August this year, according to ACEA. Automakers are replacing many diesel options with hybrids and electrified powertrains to meet stricter emissions rules.
Skoda continues to offer TDI engines in larger models like the Superb and Octavia, but diesels have already disappeared from smaller cars in the Volkswagen Group lineup, such as the Polo and Fabia. With the EU proposing a 2035 ban on new internal combustion cars, diesel passenger cars face an uncertain future; realistically, mainstream diesel options may fade before the middle of the next decade.
Why this matters
For drivers prioritizing long-range efficiency, modern diesel still offers compelling advantages: lower fuel consumption on sustained highway runs and larger effective range than many gasoline or hybrid equivalents. Marczyk's record underlines that point while also serving as a showcase for careful route planning, mild weather, and patient driving.
Highlights:
- 1,759 miles (2,831 km) on one tank
- 2.61 L/100 km average consumption
- Minimal vehicle modifications
Whether diesel remains a niche for long-range travelers or becomes a relic of an earlier era will depend on policy, fuel availability and consumer demand. For now, the Skoda Superb has reclaimed the spotlight as an endurance and efficiency champion, at least for those who know how to drive it gently.
Source: motor1
Comments
mechbyte
did they really fill every last drop? sounds a bit staged, support car info relay is huge. if no trickery then big respect, but not everyday driving.
v8rider
wow this blew my mind... 2,800 km on one tank? insane. clever driving + support car helped a lot, but still huge props, diesel FTW? lol
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