An educated approach to driving can bring huge benefits to owners of all types of car, proving that you don’t necessarily need a fuel-sipping supermini to cut your motoring costs.

And to illustrate the point, the legendary Corvette was crowned the overall winner in the annual Fleetworld/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon, recording a record 61.26 per cent improvement over the official combined figure in the two-day, 411-mile economy driving event.

Driven by Press Association journalist Richard Hammond, the Corvette Z06 achieved a combined mpg figure of 30.96mpg over the challenging route, proving that even a 198mph supercar can achieve fuel economy similar to that of a modern family hatchback if driven with a sensible approach to road and traffic conditions.

MPG Marathon organiser Ross Durkin said: “Driving economically is possible in whatever car you own – all it takes is consideration of prevailing road conditions and an educated approach to how you drive your car. The Corvette’s success proves that any driver can improve their fuel economy if they think in advance and anticipate road conditions.”

Using Total Excellium high octane petrol at a cost of 109.9 pence per litre, the Corvette used £66.41 worth of fuel over the route, a saving of £40.54 compared to if it had achieved its official combined figure of 19.2mpg.

The Corvette Z06 '505 hp' is available in the UK now, priced from £54,995.