Škoda has set a new Guinness World Record for the greatest distance driven on a single tank of fuel. The car covered an astonishing 2,831 kilometers, or 1,761 miles, across five European countries without refueling.
The record-breaking journey was completed by rally champion Miko Marczyk, who drove his personal Škoda Superb from Poland through Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, all on a single 66-liter tank of diesel.
The 29-year-old European Rally Champion maintained an average speed of 80 kilometers per hour throughout the journey. Even with cold temperatures dropping to 1°C at night and changing road conditions, the car performed beyond expectations.
The Superb achieved an incredible 38 kilometers per liter, or 90 miles per gallon, nearly double its official fuel efficiency rating of 20 kmpl. The feat not only demonstrates Škoda’s precise engineering but also shows how advanced diesel engines and disciplined driving techniques can push fuel limits further than most people imagine.
Speaking after completing the drive, Miko Marczyk said, “I believe we can go even further. The Superb proved that diesel is still the king of long-distance efficiency. My next goal is to cross the 3,000-kilometer mark.” He added that by using premium diesel and a better-optimised route, he is confident the milestone is achievable.
To maximize efficiency during the run, Marczyk made only minor changes to his car. His Škoda Superb 2.0 TDI was a standard production model, featuring a 148-horsepower diesel engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
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The only adjustments included fitting low-rolling-resistance tires and installing Sportline springs. These lowered the ride height by 15 millimeters to reduce aerodynamic drag. These small changes, along with his steady driving, made a huge difference. They helped stretch each liter of fuel to its maximum potential.
Marczyk began the journey in his hometown of Łódź, Poland, with a full 66-liter tank. His route took him through Germany and France. It then looped across Belgium and the Netherlands before returning home.
A support vehicle followed a few miles ahead. Specifically, it kept him updated on road conditions, slopes, and turns. As a result, this helped him plan braking and acceleration perfectly. Moreover, he completed the entire trip without stopping for fuel. He achieved this by coasting toward toll booths, maintaining a consistent pace, and using tailwinds to his advantage.
In one particular stretch through France, favorable wind conditions helped the Superb achieve an astonishing 2.2 liters per 100 kilometers. This equals about 107 miles per gallon. For a family sedan weighing 1,590 kilograms, this performance is beyond impressive. The car had around 20,000 kilometers on the odometer before the attempt. This makes the achievement even more meaningful since it was not brand new or specially built for the test.
