EC tests and fuel economy

I'm intrigued about real world economy and the rise of the so called eco models which do not seem to come close to their claimed figures. My five year old 1.9 Diesel Skoda Roomster regularly returns 53mpg in combined motoring conditions, brim to brim calculated. Long motorway runs encourage 61 to 62mpg brim to brim calculated. This from a 105bhp old fashioned car. Has any real progress been made by the industry on economy or are we just paying for "add-ons" to lower emissions and taxation?

Asked on 19 September 2011 by RF, via email

Answered by Honest John

Basically the manufacturers have found ways to beat the system of EC tests that actually bear little relation to real life, but the test figures are the only figures they are legally allowed to publish. If you want the truth, go to www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg

Tags: fuel economy

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