12 Aug 08
The 4Car results
In our tests, the Ford Focus Econetic's fuel consumption was furthest away from the official figures: our tests revealed a combined consumption of 54mpg, 11.6mpg less than the official government-approved claims of 65.6mpg. Its carbon dioxide output, at 138g/km, was also far higher than the claimed figure of 115g/km.
The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion got closest to its official consumption figures: in our tests the average consumption was 57.5mpg, against the official figure of 62.8mpg. That's still some way short, however, and its carbon dioxide output was 130g/km, 11g/km more than the official 119g/km and outside the Band B threshold.
The manufacturers' responses
Manufacturers argue that the current test provides a level playing field that enables potential car buyers to make informed comparisons and that no single test could replicate real-world driving.
A Fiat spokesman said: 'The figures are a useful comparison for consumers. Differences in mpg can be caused by many factors: wrong gear selection, under-pressurised tyres, roof racks, bikes, luggage, rapid acceleration.'
However, Ford and Honda both suggested that they would be open to change. A Ford spokesman said: 'We would be happy to see a transition to more real-world testing methods, but clearly this is something for the Government/EU to develop, and the whole global industry would need to adopt the same standards for this to be meaningful.'
