Fifty-nine vehicles will take part in the AA Energywise Rally starting in Auckland tomorrow, a race in which efficient fuel use is more important than crossing the finishing line first.
Sixteen car manufacturers have entered vehicles in the rally, including Holden, Mercedes Benz, Dodge, Mini and Subaru. Thirty-one entrants are diesel, and 28 petrol.
Drivers include Holden V8 Supercar driver Greg Murphy, and Hans Tholstrup, who holds records for fuel economy runs around the world.
Vehicles range in size from the Smart Fortwo -- a 1-litre, two-person car -- to the 6.1-litre Holden HSV Maloo ute, also for two people.
The Driver Award goes to the team that beats the rated fuel use of their vehicle by the highest percentage, and the Supreme Winner Award to the cheapest vehicle over the whole rally, including fuel and road user charges.
The 1626-kilometre rally begins at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland at 7.38am, travelling south to Wellington and returning to Auckland over four days.
