Automotive

Over half of cars use more fuel than advertised, with test results from 58 vehicle makes revealed

By Glam Adelaide

Posted on August 14, 2024

Recent tests by the Australian Automobile Association show over half of cars consume more fuel than claimed.

The Australian Automobile Association has just made public the latest findings from its Real World Testing Program, an initiative calculating fuel efficiency of popular vehicle models under regular Australian driving conditions. These revelations now bring the program’s total to 58 assessed vehicles. Remarkably, over half of these models have reported higher fuel consumption than their laboratory counterparts, shedding light on stark discrepancies between lab test results and actual performance on Australian roads.

The Real World Testing Program, underpinned by funding from the Federal Government, seeks to provide consumers with reliable data on vehicle fuel consumption and emissions by simulating everyday driving conditions. Out of the 58 cars tested to date, it was documented that 53% exhibited a higher fuel usage rate than their lab-tested results would suggest.

A significant disparity was noted in the Suzuki Swift, which in real-world conditions consumed 31% more fuel than its lab figure suggests. Specifically, it registered at 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, a stark increase from the advertised 4.8 litres. This discrepancy could lead to an additional annual cost of about $344 for drivers averaging 12,100 kilometres per year, as per the national average.

Another popular model, the Mazda CX-5, was also put to the test and found to consume 15% more fuel than its advertised rate, recording 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres as opposed to the 6.9 litres determined in lab conditions.

The testing also revealed that 21 of the 58 assessed vehicles produced emissions exceeding current or impending Australian regulatory standards for harmful tailpipe emissions.

Mark Borlace, a Mobility Expert at the RAA, stressed the importance of this program, saying “With cost-of-living rising and consumers becoming more environmentally conscious, fuel efficiency is a huge factor for a lot of people when it comes to buying a new car.” Mr. Borlace highlighted the disparity in designed versus actual performance, stating, “Cars have their fuel efficiency tested in a lab before they hit the market, but how they perform in real-world, Australian conditions can be very different.”

He urged potential car buyers to consult the Real World Testing Program’s findings to make informed choices that align with their usage patterns and budgetary constraints. He also commended the Federal Government and the AAA for their roles in supporting and conducting these rigorous assessments, noting that, “It’s giving consumers more accurate information to help them save money and reduce their carbon footprint.”

The full list of vehicle results from the AAA’s Real World Testing Program is accessible online, allowing consumers to review comprehensive data on a wide range of models. This resource will assist consumers in making more informed decisions about their next vehicle purchase in the context of performance, financial factors, and environmental impact.