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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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Ask HJ
Why is the fuel economy in my Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost so much worse than official figures?
I've just bought a 2013 Ford Focus Estate 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium. It is giving me about 33mpg, when the advert for urban driving says it should be giving over 47mpg. On the motorway at 70mph it also gave me 44mpg when its advertised at 67mpg.
This is a huge difference. Can you advise me on this please.
Your experience is typical of many Ford Focus owners. The old EcoBoost engine never had a particularly good reputation for real world fuel economy. The problems were compounded by the fact this version of the Focus - sold from 2011 - 2014 - was assessed using the old and outdated NEDC fuel and emissions test. Few NEDC tested cars will meet their advertised fuel figures.
According to Real MPG submissions, an average of 40-42mpg is the best you can expect: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/ford/focus-2011

Answered by Dan Powell
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Given the different between claimed MPG and real MPG, are hybrids worth buying?
Which has just revealed their latest test results of real-time driving/ MPG on hybrids. Given that there's a notable disparity with claimed MPG on most vehicles, are hybrids worth buying given the cost to swap? Why are manufacturers allowed to do this?
I can't comment on Which's results but we publish Real MPG based on user submissions here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/real-mpg
All new cars are subject to official WLTP fuel economy tests which are designed to be more representative of real-world driving than the old NEDC tests. They're not perfect but they do allow you to compare cars like-for-like. The issue with plug-in hybrids is that they're reliant on regular charging to get the best from them. The majority of PHEVs, however, are leased by company car drivers for their BIK tax savings. If you're a company car driver covering hundreds of miles a day and not charging the car, a PHEV will be woefully inefficient. If, however, you charge the car overnight and rarely travel more than 20 or 30 miles in one go, you'll see incredible fuel economy as the petrol engine will hardly ever need to run.

Answered by Andrew Brady
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