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Frequently Asked Questions |
Cymraeg  |
| Q: 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. |
| A: 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. |
| Q: I appreciate that the official fuel consumption figures are obtained under controlled test conditions and as such may not be fully representative of real-life driving conditions. However, I am concerned that the figures achieved by my vehicle are radically different to the official figures. |
| A: You should refer to the 'Hints for Less Environmental Damage' 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. |
| Q: How is the fuel consumption test conducted. |
| A: The test is outlined in Directive 93/116/EC
and provides results that are more 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, decelerations 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. |
| Q: When purchasing a new car what information regarding fuel consumption can I expect to find at the point of sale. |
| A: The results of the standard tests have to be shown on labels fixed to 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. |
| Q: Where can I find more detailed information on the Graduated Vehicle Excise Duty scheme. |
| A: Further details are available from the Direct Gov site: http://www.direct.gov.uk/. |
| Q: Where can I find more detailed information on the new Company Car Tax arrangements? |
| A: Further details are available from your local Inland Revenue office or are available on their website http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/cars |
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