Are manufacturer's quoted mpg figures accurate?

I recently bought a 1.4 Vauxhall Meriva which ticked all my boxes, including a miles per gallon claim of 47. Having tested it over the first 1500 miles of mixed journeys I only achieved 37mpg. I went to...

Optimistic dials

I'm sure you are aware that trip computer mpgs are optimistic by 5 - 10%, so that readers' figures based on these are unrealistic and optimistic. If I submit a figure (for a Honda Jazz), it would be based...

Is this fuel economy normal

I bought a 2006 Mondeo TDCI. It's running perfectly and has just had a major service. I'm only achieving just over 120 miles per 1/4 tank and thats on motorway doing 70-80 mph in 6th gear. Trip computer...

Why does my new Toyota RAV4 return such poor fuel economy?

I read with interest your comment about fuel economy and that no car will match the published figures. I bought a RAV4 (our third) in December 2011 from new. One of the reasons I purchased another RAV4...

Are engines becoming more efficient or not?

I recently bought a Hyundai i10 1.2 for my wife. It is an excellent car but only returns 42mpg compared to the stated 61mpg, less than my old Triumph Spitfire (47mpg) and early Ford Fiesta (44mpg). The...

Which is more economical - the Ford 1.4i engine or the Vauxhall 1.4i?

I am getting rid of my Vauxhall Corsa 1.4i 16v as it's 12 years old. I wondered if the Vauxhall 1.4i 16v or Ford 1.4i 16v is more economical as I’d rather get a 1.4-litre than a 1.2-litre car.

Real MPG in my Focus is far lower than the manufacturer's quoted figure - why?

I bought a new Focus hatchback 1.0 EcoBoost 125 last week, lured by the 55mpg advertised by Ford and enthusiastically endorsed and claimed by the salesman. I can't get more than 43mpg, and that's on a...

Downsizing from a Mercedes - is the MINI Countryman a suitable replacement?

Due to a new job and having to travel many miles each week, I have to downsize from my Mercedes-Benz E320. I have children to accommodate, so I need space, plus a vehicle that can do many miles to the...

How much of my Volvo V60 is based on the Mondeo?

I understand that the new Volvo V60 is based on the Ford Mondeo. Having just purchased a new V60 I would be interested in knowing how much of the vehicle is Mondeo-based. Presumably the lauded Mondeo driving...

Should journalists quote 'real' emissions figures for new cars, or manufacturer's figures?

I have mixed feelings over Roger Stansfield's article on quoting ‘real’ emissions for new cars, rather than the artificial constructs presently published by manufacturers. Gives the potential purchaser...