Many MPG figures ‘misleading’

By CLAIRE SMITH
Published on 12/01/2013 13:23

CAR manufacturers are over-estimating the amount of miles per gallon cars can achieve and costing motorists billions every year.

According to a survey of 30,000 drivers cars achieve an average of only 88 per cent of their official miles per gallon figures – forcing drivers to spend an extra 2p a litre on fuel.

The worst performing car was the Mercedes B-Class, which on average achieves just 71 per cent of its official fuel economy rating. The Lexus CT200h and Range Rover Evoque came second and third in the worst performing stakes, achieving 73 per cent and 73.4 per cent respectively.

The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is also one of the UK’s worst performing cars, managing to achieve 74 per cent of its recorded fuel economy.

On paper it is capable of up to 70.6mpg, but no owners reported a figure higher than 55mpg.

The Audi A1 fares is fifth worst, managing on average only 46.8 miles to the gallon, 74 per cent of its official figure.

A spokesman for the Honest John website, which carried out the research, said: ““Given the ever-rising fuel prices, real MPG provides a tangible service for motorists.”

Top five performing cars Real MPG Ratio

1 Land Rover Defender (1984-) 105.4%

2 Toyota Celica (2000-2007) 103.8%

3 Jaguar S-Type (1999-2007) 103.6%

4 Nissan Micra (2003-2010) 102.2%

5 Honda Civic Type R (2007-2012) 102.1%

Bottom five performing cars Real MPG Ratio

1 Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2005-2012) 71.2%

2 Lexus CT200h (2011-) 73.0%

3 Range Rover Evoque (2011-) 73.4%

4 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 74.0%

5 Audi A1 (2010-) 74.2%