FAQ's - Fuel Consumption

This area contains some of our Frequently Asked Questions specific to Fuel Consumption. Other FAQ areas that may be of interest are as follows:

Where can I find information on fuel consumption and CO2 figures?

Copies of the booklet can be ordered on the VCA's website at http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/contact/booklet.asp (links to another site).
A searchable database for all current new cars is available on the VCA website - http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/ (links to another site). The site also has downloadable versions of booklets from July 2000.
For information on cars registered before July 2000, consult the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders' (SMMT) website at http://www.smmt.co.uk/co2/co2intro.cfm (links to another site).
These sources have information for passenger cars. CO2 data for other categories of vehicle may be available from the manufacturer.

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.

You should refer to the 'Hints for Less Environmental Damage' outlined on the VCA website at
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/information/hints-for-less-environmental-damage.asp (links to another site) which outline ways of optimising fuel economy. If, following observation of the recommended points, fuel consumption remains higher than you would expect this may indicate a fault with your vehicle and you should ask an authorised dealer or other competent organisation to examine it.

The test is outlined in Directive 93/116/EC as amended by 1999/100/EC and provides results that are more than representative of actual average on-road fuel consumption than previous tests. There are two parts: an urban and an extra-urban cycle. The cars tested have to be run-in and must have been driven for at least 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometres) before testing.
Urban Cycle
The urban test cycle is carried out in a laboratory at an ambient temperature of 20oC to 30oC on a rolling road from a cold start, i.e. the engine has not run for several hours. The cycle consists of a series of accelerations, steady speeds, decelerating and idling. Maximum speed is 31mph (50km/h), average speed 12mph (19km/h) and the distance covered is 2.5 miles (4km).
Extra-Urban Cycle
This cycle is conducted immediately following the urban cycle and consists of roughly half steady-speed driving and the remainder accelerations, decelerations, and some idling. Maximum speed is 75mph (120km/h), average speed is 39mph (63 km/h) and the distance covered is 4.3miles (7km).
Combined Fuel Consumption Figure
The combined figure presented is for the urban and extra-urban cycle together. It is therefore an average of the two parts of the test, weighted by the distances covered in each part.

The results of the standard tests have to be shown on labels fixed on or near every new car on display in showrooms and on forecourts, and dealers must have fuel consumption figures of all new cars available for prospective car buyers to consult on request. These requirements do not apply in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

From March 2001 the vehicle's CO2 figure has been used as the basis for applying new VED rates for new passenger cars. Information on the new VED can be found on the Direct Gov web site at the following address (links to another site)): http://www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicleArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4022118&chk=7JgfMw

A leaflet 'Brand new car? The less it pollutes, the less you pay, (INF96)' should be available at most motor dealers or is available from the DVLA on the free phone number 0845 6052222.

A VED calculator function is available on our web site at http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/ved-information.asp (links to another site).

From April 2002, the benefit-in-kind tax for company cars will be based on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. This will apply to all cars registered from January 1998 onwards. For cars registered from March 2001, the CO2 figure of the vehicle will be shown on the car's V5 Registration Document.

A summary of the new system 'Employers Bulletin - issue 5' or comprehensive details of the reform 'Expenses & benefits - A tax guide, booklet 180(2001), Appendix 1A' can be obtained by calling the Employer's Orderline on 0845 7646646, or by downloading them from www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/employers/download.htm (links to another site).

Further information can be found by calling the Employer's Helpline on 0845 7143143 or on the Inland Revenue website on www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/cars (links to another site).