Popular new model revealed to use 35 per cent more fuel than advertised

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The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has released its latest findings in its ongoing real-world fuel consumption tests, revealing a popular model that uses 35 per cent more fuel than the official figures stated on their windscreens when new.

Of the newest 14 cars tested, the Mazda 2 light hatchback had the biggest variance between real-world testing and manufacturer lab-test ratings, using 35 per cent more petrol than its combined fuel efficiency figure.

AAA testing shows the Mazda 2 averaged 6.8 litres per 100km, rather than 5.0L/100km, in its real-world testing scenario around Geelong, Victoria.

However, there is also a “variability of less than 2.5%” in tests as it adheres to “strict test protocols to ensure fuel consumption and emissions results are repeatable and to minimise the influence of human factors such as driving style and changing traffic flows”.

The new Suzuki Swift Hybrid also performed below expectations, with a 5.2L/100km figure versus its rated 4.0L/100km for a 31 per cent difference.

Mazda's CX-5, equipped with the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, was 22 per cent thirstier in the real world, notching a 9.0L/100km average above its 7.4L/100km rated number.

The MG5 sedan was 21 per cent less efficient than stated, with an 8.0L/100km figure playing against its 6.6L/100km number.

These were the four biggest discrepancies in the latest round of testing, with the likes of the Hyundai i30, Kia Picanto, Kia Cerato, and Toyota C-HR Hybrid varying by about 10 per cent compared to ratings.

Nissan's Patrol large SUV also performed as expected, with real-world figures line-ball with ratings.

Mitsubishi's Outlander however, used less fuel than advertised in testing, with the non-hybrid all-wheel drive example returning a 7.9L/100km figure compared to the stated 8.1L/100km for a two per cent variance.

Meanwhile, diesel-powered models, including the V6-powered Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Triton ute, have come close to claims in real-world fuel usage testing, with less than eight per cent variances for all three.

AAA managing Director Michael Bradley said the real-world testing of fuel ratings, as well as emissions, is more important than ever with the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) this year.

“Testing cars in real Australian driving conditions will help sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to cars delivering fuel consumption that matches their mandated laboratory test results, and it will act as a complementary audit regime for the NVES”, Bradley said.

“The Program is working with the NVES to help make the national vehicle fleet cleaner and more fuel-efficient.

“While some cars perform as per the information at point of sale, our program is revealing that many, if not most, do not.”

Many car makers, however, alongside the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), have previously told Drive they have "reservations about real-world testing" and questioned if it really is a valuable indicator for consumers.

AAA real-world fuel efficiency testing sixth round results: released on February 11, 2025

AAA real-world fuel efficiency testing fifth round results: released on October 22, 2024

AAA real-world fuel efficiency testing fourth round results: released on October 14, 2024

AAA real-world fuel efficiency testing third round results: released on May 21, 2024

AAA real-world fuel efficiency testing second round results: released on February 21, 2024

AAA real-world fuel efficiency testing first round results: released on November 29, 2023

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