Taking fuel consumption into consideration on new cars

I am looking to buy a new car for around town, low mileage use - and would really like a crossover like a Hyundai ix35, Toyota RAV-4 or Kia Sportage, but currently owning a fairly fuel efficient Clio I am very concerned about the ongoing cost of fuel and want to make sure I buy sensibly.

Also I don't understand how car companies are allowed to publish fuel consumption rates that no-one seems to really achieve in the real world?

Asked on 14 January 2013 by Dee Gallen

Answered by Honest John
I explained that the EC figures are for standardised lab tests used to measure the C)2 output of the engines for tax purposes. Increasingly manufacturers have optimised cars for the tests otherwise face fines from the EC. If yo want real life fuel economy figures go to www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg

No SUV will be economical. I've had best results from the Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 diesel and Outlander 2.2 diesel manual.

But be aware if you buy a diesel and use it for repeated short runs from cold you will encounter problems with the diesel Particulate filter.
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