honda-civic-tourer-sports-pack-crop

On June 1, Honda European R&D team members Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren will get into a Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC diesel in Aalast, Belgium. They will then drive 13,670 km across 24 European Union states, in a clockwise direction, returning to the point of origin 25 days later.

Yup, what better way to demonstrate an engine's frugality than going for a Guinness World Record - in this case, the "Lowest Fuel Consumption - all 24 contiguous EU countries" title. Why only 24 out of the total 28? Well, quite obviously, getting to the UK, Ireland, Cyprus or Malta would require crossing water.

The daring duo will be doing nearly 600 km daily on average and if successful, the new record will apply to all cars, including hybrid and electric models.

honda_civic_tourer_sports_pack_8

As the car enters each of the 24 countries, a fuel/mileage logbook, GPS readings, videos, photos and independent witness signatures will be collected and kept as proof.

Additionally, a Tracker device on the car will monitor the route, time and distance covered real-time. The car itself is a completely standard model, with no advantageous modifications. At each refuelling stop, the tank must be filled to the brim to ensure no unfair advantage by reducing weight.

The Honda Civic Tourer's 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine provides 120 PS and 300 Nm of torque. A fuel economy of 3.8 litres per 100 km on the European combined cycle and a 1,315 km range are claimed.