geraldrobins
Senior Member
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- Your Mercedes
- C Class/2011/200cdi
It's a while since I started reading this thread which is now quite long, but despite all the criticism, I do not recollect anyone on here coming up with a reliable alternative method. Perhaps because there isn't one?
As has been said, the method used ensures a reliable and undistorted comparison between makes and models - undistorted by the vagaries of weather, cold engine, warm engine, heavy foot, light foot, topography et al.
I notice that in newspaper adverts manufacturers have catered to the punctilious by stating that figures are for comparison purposes only, though this will probably not assuage the unrealistic nitpickers amongst us.
"It should be noted that as the fuel consumption figures quoted are obtained under specific test conditions, they may not be achieved under ‘real world’ driving conditions. However, the figures serve as a means of comparing models of a similar type." (Directgov. website).
"My vehicle does not produce the same fuel consumption figures as shown in the 'New Car Fuel Consumption and Emission Figures' publication and/or the Internet site?
Because of the need to maintain strict comparability of results achieved by the standard tests they cannot be fully representative of real-life driving conditions. Firstly, it is not practicable to test each individual new car; thus only one production car is tested as being representative of the model and may therefore produce a better or worse result than another similar vehicle. Secondly, there are infinite variations in driving styles and in road, car and weather conditions, all of which can have a bearing on the results achieved. For these reasons the consumption achieved on the road will not necessarily accord with the official test results." (dft.gov.uk website)
Where's the fakery??
Does it really matter? Does anyone buy or not buy a car because of the fuel consumption figures? Motoring must be a nightmare for those whose ownership revolves around such minutiae.
http://cars.uk.msn.com/exclusives/extreme-fuel-economy-how-green-could-your-car-get
It may not matter to you but fuel consumption and emissions are a concern to many people. Well it is to me anyway so I like to be aware of the emissions and fuel consumption prior to purchasing a car. It may not be the only consideration but it is a consideration. And of course company car drivers like cars with low emissions because it affects the percentage of tax they pay. Not just emissions of course also the purchase list price affects company car tax. The majority of us have limited budgets for living not just motoring.