Above Average

Coming soon, the Bosch BS Motoring Mileage Run 2007.

The usual customer question, "average kya hai?" haunts manufacturers every time they launch a new car. Which is why the Bosch BS Motoring Mileage Run 2007, to be held on February 7, 2007, hopes to allay all customer worries in an event that calculates real world mileage figures.

Using a TSD or Time, Speed, Distance format, the aim is to record fuel efficiency on public roads at normal speeds.

Unlike traditional mileage events that are run on closed roads at ultra-low speeds and in unrealistic conditions, this is as close to reality as it gets. Each manufacturer will field a maximum of two production spec cars (without any modifications) and this will be verified by the scrutineers and technical partner for our event, Sportscraft.

Manufacturers can field cars in the five following categories; 1. 1200cc and below, 2. 1200cc and above petrol, 3. 1200cc and above diesel, 4. SUV open class and 5. 2000cc and above open class. The drivers will be representatives of the respective manufacturers to ensure a fair playing field for all.

The route is a 434 kilometre loop which originates from Panvel, on to the NH8 and Chiplun before heading back to Panvel. Drivers will be handed tulip charts specifying the route for navigation purposes. Beginning on dry tanks, the cars will receive a pre-specified amount of fuel.

At the flag off, drivers will be handed a specified speed to maintain over each timed section. A Sportscraft observer will be present in each car to monitor that drivers don't resort to unfair means such as driving in neutral or coasting downhill with the engine shut.

Using a GPS system, the observers will monitor the progress of the drivers as they go about maximising the efficiency of their cars. Like a TSD rally, drivers will be allotted penalties for reaching any of the time check points after time.

Those who reach early will not get any penalties. The penalties will be calculated and that, along with the distance covered will reveal the final efficiency figure.

The TSD format will also ensure that competitors who resort to running at ultra-low speeds will find any advantage gained balanced through penalties.

In effect, all the cars will run at the same or similar speed, through identical terrain, in almost identical traffic conditions and in the real world. You couldn't get a more definitive fuel efficiency figure.

Spread over three days, the event will consist of a drivers' briefing where all pre-event queries will be answered along with the route and rules briefs and the handing over of the tulip charts.

On the morning of February 7, drivers will participate in the run and on February 8, the results will be announced after Sportscraft tallies the recorded fuel consumption figures and adds up the penalties.

Some of the participants include Honda Siel, Hyundai Motor India, Maruti Suzuki, Ford India, M&M, Audi and DaimlerChrysler. JK Tyres is the co-sponsor while Zee Business is the associate partner for the event.

As the event gets close, the anticipation is visible as the participants grapple to get their cars and drivers ready in a test of patience and wits. Who will win the title of the "most fuel-efficient car" in each of the categories? Watch this space.

More information is at www.bsmotoring.com