Volkswagen Scandal – NRMA Calls For Accurate Fuel Consumption Ratings

With the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ emissions saga unfolding around the world, the NRMA in Australia has used the scandal to shine a light on fuel consumption figures.

The Association says independent testing from the likes of Choice in Australia and Which in the UK found some models were unlikely to ever match the claims of their manufacturers.

The consumer groups claim some cars were out by more than 30 percent, and one model in the UK exceeded its official fuel figure by 133 percent.

Choice’s Matt Levey said current fuel consumption ratings were untrustworthy, adding that the events of dieselgate proved carmakers should not be involved in testing of their own products.

“We need fuel efficiency claims that Australians can trust, backed by genuinely independent testing and world’s best standards to help save on household fuel costs,” Mr Levey said.

Which in the UK found the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD used 11.6 l/100km on average, verses its official figure of 7.5 l/100km, while the BMW X4 needed 8.0 l/100km - 1.9 litres more its official rating of 6.1 l/100km.

NRMA