Today’s internal combustion engines are quite fuel-efficient, thanks to various technologies that manage fuel delivery better. Still, different drivers will achieve different fuel consumption figures because of the way they drive or even where they drive.
Protons have long been known to be economical to run so there’s no questioning the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. At a recent event in Penang called the ‘Penang PROTON One Tank Challenge’, just how efficient a Proton S70 could be was shown.
The event, part of the district level Hari Sukan Negara celebrations for Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah, had PROTON as one of the strategic partners for celebrations. As it had a presence, the Malaysian automaker used the opportunity to highlight how economical the S70 sedan could be by challenging owners to test the fuel efficiency and spirited performance of their vehicles in a real-world test.
Incidentally, PROTON was announced as one of the title sponsors for the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 and has offered a S70 as the lucky draw prize for participants.
Themed ‘Drive Efficiently. Live Actively. Celebrate Malaysia’,” the One Tank Challenge required participants to cover a scenic 110-km route on Penang island as well as on the mainland crossing both the bridges.
During the 6-hour event, 33 S70 owners drove as economically as possible to use the least fuel. Each car started off with a full tank of fuel and the covers were sealed. Of course, if you drive very slowly, you will use less fuel so the element of time was also included. This meant that the drivers had to drive thoughtfully, controlling their average speed in order to complete the entire route within the specified time limit.
Calculation of consumption was quite straightforward – upon reaching the petrol station at the end, the fuel tank was topped up again and the amount recorded would be the amount of fuel used over the 110 kms.
Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Yusoff was the most economical driver, stretching each litre of petrol at a rate of 3.48 litres/100 kms or 31.61 kms/litre. With the 50-litre fuel tank, that would mean a potential range of 1,580 kms. If he drove the same way from Penang to Johor Bahru, he would be able to do a return trip without having to refuel at all – and he would still have fuel left.
Second and third places went to Muhammad Syamim Bin Omar Farook who 3.98 litres/100 kms (25.1 kms/litre), and Mohd Aliff Bin Sani who did 4.40 litres/100 kms (22.7 kms/litre). The winners received cash prizes and, in addition, awards were also presented for best social media engagement (displaying moments with the S70) and a colouring contest for family members of competitors.
“The Proton S70 has been engineered to satisfy the demands of drivers looking for a vehicle that balances performance and comfort, with an attractive design and critically, outstanding fuel efficiency. Events such as the Penang PROTON One Tank Challenge are an opportunity to highlight these unique selling points and remind current and future owners about why this model is the national sales leader for C-segment sedans” said Zhang Qiang, Deputy CEO of Proton Edar.
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