And the winner is...
* 64 cars showcase all the latest technology
* What Car? drives every type of car on the 57-mile run
What Car? has won four awards, including outright victory, in the inaugural RAC Future Car Challenge.
Magazine editor Jim Holder was at the wheel of an all-electric Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion, which picked up the prize for the best overall entry, as chosen by the event judges, after it consumed the least energy of all the competitors over the challenge.
The What Car? team enjoyed further success when used car editor Matt Sanger won the hybrid class for his drive in a Toyota Auris hybrid. He also picked up the Toyota Nations Cup Award, which was fought out between teams of journalists from England, Wales and Scotland.
More than 60 contestants took part in the first ever RAC Future Car Challenge, which ran from Madeira Drive in Brighton to Pall Mall in London. The aim of the challenge was to cover the 57-mile distance consuming as little energy as possible. The event drew a range of entrants, from pure electric vehicles to hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and highly efficient diesel-powered vehicles.
Future Car Challange Gallery
> Future Car Challenge: click to enlarge
> Honda FCX Clarity: click to enlarge
> Toyota Auris Hybrid: click to enlarge
> Toyota Plug-in Prius : click to enlarge
> Vauxhall Ampera: click to enlarge
> VW Electric Golf : click to enlarge
> VW Golf Bluemotion : click to enlarge
> The winning car, electric Golf: click to enlarge
> Jim Holder & Matt Sanger: click to enlarge
What Car?s Jim Holder shared duties behind the wheel of the prototype electric Golf with VW engineer Folko Rohde. It was the first time the car had run in Britain, and it is still two years from production.
'Its testimony to the VW Golf Blue-e-motion and Folkes expert tuition in energy-saving driving techniques that we ended up with such a fantastic result. Its a brilliant story to be able to share with our readers,' said Jim.
Matt said of his drive in the Auris hybrid: 'I did employ some very green driving techniques, but it just goes to show how efficient a petrol-electric hybrid can be if the driver puts their mind to it.'
