VW European Sedan Drives 1,759 Miles on One Tank: Skoda Superb Diesel Sets Guinness World Record for Range

VW European Sedan Sets Guinness World Record: Skoda Superb Diesel Drives 1,759 Miles on One Tank

Rally champion Miko Marczyk has officially set a Guinness World Record by driving a stock Skoda Superb diesel 2,831 kilometers (1,759 miles) on a single 66-liter tank of fuel. The multi-country journey across Europe—covering Poland, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands—was completed in March 2025 and yielded an incredible average fuel consumption of 2.61 liters per 100 km (90.12 MPG). This achievement cements the enduring efficiency of diesel engines, proving their long-distance capability still outpaces conventional EVs and hybrids, even as diesel faces intense regulatory pressure globally.

Record Set By a Mostly Stock Sedan

The record highlights the potential of modern diesel technology when driven efficiently.

• Distance: 2,831 kilometers (1,759 miles), roughly the distance between New York City and Denver.
• Fuel Efficiency: The Superb averaged 2.61 liters per 100 km (90.12 MPG), far surpassing its official WLTP rating of 4.8 liters/100 km. Consumption even dropped to 2.2 L/100 km in favorable conditions.
• The Car: A nearly stock fourth-generation Skoda Superb 2.0-liter TDI (150 hp) with a 66-liter (17.4-gallon) tank and front-wheel drive.
• Modifications: The only changes were low-rolling-resistance tires and slightly lowered Sportline suspension (15mm reduction) for improved aerodynamics. The engine remained entirely unmodified.
• Driving Strategy: Marczyk, the 2025 European Rally Champion, drove mostly at a steady 80 km/h (50 mph) in Eco mode, minimizing braking and acceleration, and maintaining meticulously monitored tire pressures. He logged over 20,000 kilometers in preparation.

Diesel vs. Electrification: The Range Benchmark

The Superb’s feat sets an extreme benchmark for single-fill distance, underscoring diesel’s advantage in long-haul efficiency.

• Unmatched Distance: The 2,831 km distance is unmatched by any production vehicle today.
• EV and Hybrid Comparison:
  • Longest EV Range: The Chevrolet Silverado EV holds the record for the longest distance driven on one charge at just over 1,000 miles, but this was achieved at a “crawling average of under 25 mph”. Most consumer EVs still hover around 300–350 miles per charge.
  • PHEV Range: Plug-in hybrids can stretch to about 1,200 miles when combining fuel and battery power, while upcoming extended-range EVs (EREVs) like those from Hyundai claim 600 miles—still significantly short of the Superb’s record.
• Last Great Triumph? While the record proves diesel’s efficiency potential, its future feats may be limited due to the EU’s 2035 combustion ban and renewed scrutiny following the Dieselgate scandal.

Final Thoughts

The Guinness World Record set by the Skoda Superb diesel is a dramatic demonstration of how far modern combustion technology has progressed, proving that diesel remains the king of long-distance efficiency when driven optimally. While the automotive world is focused on the electric transition, this record highlights the ongoing need for practical, high-range solutions for long-haul travel. Marczyk’s feat not only cements Skoda’s engineering credibility but also serves as a potent reminder that the internal combustion engine will not fade away quietly, achieving new performance benchmarks even as its final chapter approaches.

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