No. All it means is that they stuck it on a chassis dynamometer that replicated the EC driving cycle and managed to achieve the equivalent of 40mpg in the EC combined cycle. Whether a real person can really achieve that in real life is another matter entirely. That said, over 692.3 miles in a Jaguar XJL 3.0V6 diesel I recently averaged 41mpg at an average speed of 58mph, and that is better than the official combined figure of 39.2mpg. For a better idea of the true fuel economy of recent cars, consult and participate in the Real Life Fuel Economy Register at: www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg