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Honest John Real MPG

Real MPG

What is Real MPG?

Real MPG was created after we received thousands of complaints from readers that their cars could not match the official claimed fuel economy figures.

Unlike laboratory tests, Real MPG gives real world data from real drivers and allows owners and buyers to see how much on-the-road fuel a vehicle really uses. 

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Which petrol car has the best MPG?

I am looking to purchase a 3-4 year old car. What is the best petrol vehicle that provides 55 miles to the gallon?
There are quite a few petrol cars in this bracket, but the best of the bunch is the Toyota Prius, which in our Real MPG figures is achieving an average of 65.2mpg - well over your target of 55mpg. Strictly speaking however the Prius is a hybrid rather than purely petrol, so for a petrol-only alternative we would suggest something like the Suzuki Swift with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine, which is achieving an average of over 60mpg in our Real MPG figures.
Answered by David Ross
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Is a diesel still better than petrol for high mileages?

I have been a diesel car driver covering around 30,000 per year for the last 10 years and would like to add my two pence to the conversation. Along the A1, the cheapest fuel I have found is at Tesco Huntington, with petrol at £165 and diesel at £183. Comparing a BMW F30 320d and 320i M Sport Auto using an online tool, I think the petrol is a better option even at 25,000 miles per year. According to the website, I will get 50.2mpg from diesel and 38mpg from petrol. At 25,000 miles per year, diesel is £4,475, and petrol is £4,900. I agree that the petrol version will cost an additional £425 per year. However, with the purchasing price difference of about £2,000, the breakeven point will be at year four. Calculating the additional cost of higher insurance, servicing, and AdBlue for the diesel car will equate to a breakeven point at year five. As you might have noticed, I have not included DPF in my costing for the diesel or usage of E10 petrol in my costings. How can Honest John continue to recommend diesel below 30,000 miles per year?
Our Real MPG data suggests readers see 51.4mpg on average from the 320d and 33.1mpg from the 320i. If you're covering 25,000 a year at 166.54p/litre (the average petrol price this week according to the RAC's Fuel Watch) in the 320i, you'll pay £5718.32 a year in fuel. If you're covering 25k a year at 190.49p/litre (diesel) at 51.4mpg, you'll pay £4211.99 in fuel. That's quite a significant saving of more than £1,500 every year. Running costs aside, diesels are generally better suited to long-distance driving than petrols. They have more low-down torque which makes them more relaxed on motorway drives. They have a longer range, so you'll have to stop and refuel less often. And, if you're covering 25,000-plus a year on the motorway, you're unlikely to have issues with the DPF as it'll regenerate regularly and not get clogged up.
Answered by Andrew Brady
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