Cars again fail to meet fuel use figures in real-world testing

Many cars are failing to live up to their WLTP fuel use figures when put to the test in real world scenarios. This according to the latest results from Australia’s Real-World Testing Program (RWTP). Examples follow. 

One of Australia’s most popular small cars, the Mazda 2, used 35 per cent more fuel than advertised during Australian Automobile Association testing. Its recorded figure of 6.8L/100km compared with a WLTP claim of 5.0.

Of 14 popular vehicles included in the testing, one-half consumed between 10 and 35 per cent more fuel than advertised.

Swift was above the odds too, consuming 5.2L/100km versus its lab result of 4.0L/100km. That’s a 31 per cent difference. However, it is still one of the lowest figures recorded by the RWTP.

The CX-5 was another Mazda under the fuel use spotlight. It used fuel at a rate of 9.0L/100km versus a lab result of 7.4L/100km, a 22 per cent difference.

Since testing began in 2023, the RWTP has released fuel use figures and CO2 emissions for 84 cars. More than half used at least five per cent more fuel in real world driving conditions. Five used over 30 per cent more.

Only one vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander AWD, improved on its lab result in the latest round of testing. It consumed fuel at a rate of 7.9L/100km versus its listed 8.1L/100 figure, a 2 per cent improvement.

AAA Managing Director, Michael Bradley, said the results showed real-world testing was needed to help consumers and fleet buyers avoid buying vehicles that imbibed more than advertised.

“Many, if not most, do not meet advertised claims,” Mr Bradley said.

The RWTP tests cars on roads in and around Geelong, Victoria. It uses strict protocols to ensure fuel consumption and emissions results are repeatable. The tests minimise the influence of human factors such as driving style and changing traffic flows.

For all the lowdown, see here.