7 days ago
Revealed: The car type that lies most about fuel consumption
New data has exposed a startling truth about fuel consumption claims among popular vehicles in Australia.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has released results from its Real-World Testing Program, a $14 million government-funded scheme that examines models for their fuel consumption and emissions standards.
New vehicle testing by the nation's peak motoring body has shown consumers cannot rely on the fuel consumption and emissions information provided at the point of sale.
Many cars use more fuel than manufacturers claim.
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Of the latest 30 cars tested, 25 consumed more fuel than advertised. Among these vehicles, 11 cars were found to consume 10 per cent or more fuel than advertised.
Interestingly, hybrids exhibited the most significant discrepancy in fuel efficiency, consuming more than laboratory results.
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid showed the highest discrepancy, consuming 33 per cent more fuel on the road than its advertised laboratory figure.
Hyundai Kona Hybrid.
Following closely was the Kia Stonic, which recorded a fuel consumption that was 26 per cent higher than advertised, and the Hyundai i30 Hybrid, which showed a result that was 17 per cent more fuel-efficient than its lab results, indicating a discrepancy between real-world consumption and lab results.
AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley says the latest findings have revealed a concerning trend that indicates a widespread issue in the industry.
'It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance,' Michael said.
'Some vehicles perform as advertised, but most do not, and our Program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings.'
New data has revealed some cars in Australia consume more fuel than advertised. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett
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The Australian Automobile Association says it has now tested 114 cars, vans, and utes since August 2023 and has found that more than 77 per cent use more fuel than advertised.
In addition to fuel consumption, the latest Real-World Testing results also discovered that six out of the 30 vehicles tested emitted more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard.
Out of the 30 cars tested, 25 consumed more fuel than advertised. Picture: Nigel Hallett
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These vehicles included the Ford Ranger, the Toyota Hi-Ace and the Toyota Fortuner.
The AAA Program plans to release its first electric vehicle results next month, which will test the distance vehicles can travel on a single charge in real-world driving conditions.
'Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake, and we hope these independent results will give Australian car-buyers far greater confidence about the real-world range of new EVs on the market,' Mr Bradley said.
James Chung
Digital Content Creator
James is a Digital Content Creator at and is part of the News Corp Australia's digital real estate team. His previous experience includes working for Sky News Australia.
