THE automotive world is going on overdrive to improve fuel efficiency (and consequently, reduce emissions).

With pump prices setting new records every other month, the world can do with a few more fuel sippers.

Unlike the 1970s oil shock, which sent big gas-guzzling 'yank tanks' the way of the dinosaur but was quickly forgotten, high fuel prices today will have a far more lasting impact on the world.

Why? Simply because there are a lot more cars around now. According to the World Motor Vehicle Market Report, there are now about 800 million vehicles in the world - double the population in the 1970s.

And by 2020, the figure is expected to hit 1.3 billion.

Hence the search for the '3-litre car' is back on track. The term refers to cars which can clock 100km on 3 litres of fuel or 33.3km per litre. In fact, Toyota is working on '2-litre' cars.

While such cars tend to be tiny capsular contraptions with weedy performance, car-makers such as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have hinted that fuel economy need not be at great expense to driveability or comfort.

Volkswagen's twincharging technology (a direct injection engine employing both supercharger and turbocharger) is able to get a 1.4-litre Corolla-sized car to produce 170bhp while consuming 10 litres of petrol every 100km in city driving.

If it were to be tuned to produce, say, 140 or 120 horses, it could well be a lot more frugal.

Mercedes' F700 research car has a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 258bhp and propels the car to 100kmh in 7.5 seconds.

Built like an S-class, the F700 is said to consume only 5.3 litres of petrol per 100km (or about 19km per litre). It could be ready as early as 2011.

Toyota hinted at the current Geneva Motor Show that its next-generation hybrid could cover at least 35km on a litre of petrol - some 50 per cent better than the Prius.

The 1/X concept car is extremely lightweight and its hybrid battery system can be recharged via a household electrical outlet, thus giving it more electric mileage without sapping the fuel in the tank.

So, the future looks bright. But you can also do much to cut down fuel consumption if you choose the right car and adopt simple economy driving habits.

With just a little effort, you can slash your fuel bills by 20 per cent, which can add up to savings of $800 a year if you are currently getting 10km for every litre.

On a national level, Singapore would save over $300 million a year if every car owner can improve economy by 20 per cent.

And we would not be saving only money, but we will also be doing our bit to save the planet.

Economy driving tips

Be as light on the accelerator as possible.

Choose the appropriate gear. Even in an automatic, it is better to manually shift down than to kick down to accelerate.

When approaching a red light, lift your foot off and get in gear for a gentle take-off once it turns green. Try to avoid coming to a full stop.

Do not tailgate. You will find that you have to brake and re-accelerate less.

Be alert to road and traffic conditions. No point stepping on the gas and then stomping on the brakes because there is a jam ahead. Avoid talking on the phone, which distracts you from observing traffic conditions.

Inflate your tyres regularly (when they are cold). You can overinflate by 5 to 10 per cent.

Maintain your car regularly, and use good quality oil and filters. Keep car body clean, as dirt increases drag.

Turn off the air-con at night or on cool days and wind down the windows. The so-called 'parachute effect' is minimal below 100kmh.

Do not use your car as a storeroom. Every 25kg of weight raises consumption by 1 per cent. Hence it might be best to fill the tank to half full instead of full.

Plan your trips. Avoid congested roads.

Do not leave the engine idling for more than a minute.

Reverse into a parking lot. When you start off again, the engine will be cold and fuel inefficient. If you can drive away smoothly without having to reverse when the engine is cold, you will save fuel. It is also safer.

Choose the right octane fuel. Most cars will do fine with 95- or 92-octane petrol.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 15, 2008.