At a time when the cost of living is putting a squeeze on businesses and families, having a closer look at actual on road performance compared to lab testing results can help motorists make better decisions and save them money.
The latest tranche of 21 vehicles tested in the AAA Real-World Testing Program reveals consumers continue to receive inaccurate information about fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. When compared, the results from the range of small and large SUVs, small cars, popular Ute models and two size medium cars including one luxury car tested showed fuel consumption levels varied between 6% and 31% higher than their laboratory testing results. Overall, there was a 44% spread in the gap across the field of tested cars.
The 2023 Suzuki Swift had the largest deviation between lab results and real-world results. The Suzuki measured 31% higher fuel consumption when tested over a mix of motorway, urban and rural driving compared to the mandated lab test. It could cost an additional $369 per year in fueli.
Another popular small SUV, the 2023 Mazda CX5 has a lab test fuel consumption of 6.9 L/100 kms. The real-world testing for the Mazda came in at 15% higher, which could place an additional expense of $246 for the year for fueli.
AANT CEO Simon Matthias said the results are relevant for AANT members, fleet managers and anyone in the market to buy a new or used car. “We know the rising cost of living is one of the biggest challenges facing the community. Having accurate information about fuel consumption is necessary for family and business budgets”.
On the flip side, the 2022 4x2 Toyota HiLux, the 2023 4x4 Toyota HiLux and the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid had zero variance between the mandated lab results and real-world testing results.
And of the 21 vehicles tested in this tranche, 2 had real world testing results below the mandated lab test results. The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan real world testing result came in at 13% less than the mandated lab test results, potentially saving motorists $246 per annumi, and the 2022 Ford Everest came in at 1%.
The RealWorld Testing program will continue until mid-2027 with the program scheduled to test over 200 vehicles. Protocols are currently developed for the testing of EVs. To see all results, visit realworld.org.au.
iBased on the average Aussie driving distance a 13 300 kilometres per annum, and unleaded petrol being at $1.85/ litre.
Disclaimers
1. The Real-World Testing of vehicles (Program) has been developed in conjunction with the Australian Commonwealth Government.
2. Vehicles have been tested against the same testing protocol for consistency and transparency.
3. The Program seeks to test the emissions a vehicle produces in a real world environment.
4. The comparative figures refer to the laboratory testing a vehicle undergoes prior to release on the Australian market.
5. Vehicle manufactures have been consulted prior to the publication of any vehicle testing results.
6. Information provided on any Australian Automobile Association (AAA) ACN 008 526 369 (AAA) website, media release, publication, social media platform and/or application (Medium/s) is for information purposes only.
7. The information provided via the Mediums are correct as at the time of publication only. The AAA and AANT do not warrant the currency or accuracy of the information thereafter.
8. AAA and AANT will not be responsible for any claims, damages, costs or losses following any reliance placed on any information provided via the Mediums.
9. It is your responsibility to ensure that any information provided via the Mediums are relevant and appropriate to you. AAA and AANT provide no warranty and carry no responsibility in relation to this.