VAUXHALL'S Zafira GSi turbo, already the fastest MPV on Europe's roads, has added another accolade to its non-stop list of awards.

It was the car that achieved the highest percentage improvement over the government's official mpg figure in the annual RAC/Fleet World MPG Mileage Marathon. The event took place over a 465-mile course with cars and vans from all major manufacturers taking part.

Zafira exceeded the official economy figure of 27.9 mpg by a staggering 59.14 per cent with an actual consumption figure of 44.4 mpg.

This is the second consecutive year in which Vauxhall has taken the economy title. In 2001 the VX220 sports car was winner.

The mileage marathon again provides clear evidence that it is easily possible with the Vauxhall range to combine performance with economy.

And there's more. In this year's gruelling two-day event, new Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 DTi vans in both short and long wheelbase took on all comers to win their classes.

For vans with gross vehicle weight between 2401-2900 kg a short wheelbase Vivaro driven by national vans sales manager Ian Hucker returned a net mpg of 45.75 which translates to a winning 12.31 pence per tonne/mile.

A long wheelbase Vivaro driven by Phil Harwood from Vauxhall's vans brand team took the best consumption award in the class for vehicles over 2900 kg with 42.94 mpg.

The Corsa Club ECO, a model specially refined for top fuel economy, romped home in the class for cars with CO2 less than 170 g/km with a figure of 65.08 mpg.

Freelance motoring journalist John Kerswill piloted the Zafira GSi turbo over the testing route through mid and North Wales, Manchester and the Peak District. Total Vauxhall writer Matt Joy steered Corsa ECO to its winning place.