EVEN German autobahns could not prevent a SEAT setting an impressive inaugural economy record in a drive from the north cape of Norway to the southern tip of Spain. Despite managing to cover 3,700 miles in just 59 hours and 42 minutes the SEAT Alhambra TDi achieved an average 42mpg.

This was the first time the run has been done by an MPV and has set the standard for future attempts at the Cape to Cape Super Challenge. And the good economy did not prevent the vehicle taking second place in the diesel class and third overall.

The driving team which negotiated the roads of Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France and Spain, was advanced police instructor Sgt Clive Pouncey, motorway patrol Sgt Roy Lane and team leader Peter Lowe.