Unbelievable Record: A Skoda Superb Covers 2,831 km on a Single Tank, Redefining Diesel Efficiency

European rally champion Miko Marczyk sets a new Guinness World Record behind the wheel of a Skoda Superb TDI, proving that diesel still has plenty to say in the era of electrification.

The diesel engine, once the undisputed king of European roads, is slowly fading into history. Its market share — which exceeded 50% of new car sales in the early 2010s — has plummeted to just 8.3% in 2025, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Stricter emissions regulations and the rise of hybrid and electric powertrains have sidelined a technology that can still deliver remarkable efficiency figures.

And there’s no better proof than the latest record achieved by Skoda, which has restored some of diesel’s lost glory. The Skoda Superb TDI has just set a Guinness World Record for fuel economy, covering an astonishing 2,831 kilometres on a single tank — a feat that seemed impossible amid the current shift toward electrification.

The man behind the miracle: Miko Marczyk at the wheel

The record-breaking driver is Miko Marczyk, 2025 European Rally Champion, who piloted a standard Skoda Superb powered by the well-known 2.0 TDI engine producing 150 hp and 360 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission and front-wheel drive. The only modifications were low rolling-resistance tyres and Sportline suspension springs lowered by 15 mm to enhance aerodynamics.

Starting from Łódź, Poland, Marczyk’s route took him through Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium, maintaining an average speed of 80 km/h with an exceptionally gentle driving style. The final result: 2.61 litres per 100 km, with some sections dropping to 2.2 l/100 km, far outperforming the car’s official consumption figure of 4.8 l/100 km.

A masterclass in control and efficiency

Accustomed to pushing his Fabia RS Rally2 to the limit, the Polish driver showcased extraordinary precision and discipline during the run. A support car drove a few kilometres ahead, relaying real-time traffic information so he could avoid braking and keep momentum whenever possible. With its 66-litre fuel tank, the Superb became a true benchmark in energy optimisation, delivering a quiet, stable, and surprisingly comfortable drive throughout the 2,800-kilometre journey. Marczyk has already announced his next goal: to reach 3,000 kilometres on a single tank, a challenge he believes is achievable with higher-quality diesel and a more favourable route.

A farewell that isn’t over yet

Although the Volkswagen Group continues to phase out diesel engines, removing them from smaller models like the Polo and Fabia, Skoda’s achievement shows that there’s still life and engineering brilliance left in this fuel type. Diesel may not survive beyond 2035, when Europe’s internal combustion ban takes effect, but for now, records like this one prove that the legendary TDI still has lessons to teach on the open road.