The colleagues based their findings on data obtained from their own tests, as well as information on fuel consumption from the manufacturers themselves. The latter, by the way, rely on the new worldwide standard (methodology) for determining fuel consumption, WLTP, which has been in effect since 2019. Previously, figures determined according to the NEDC cycle were taken into account – today it is considered outdated.
Like other tests, WhatCar's trials were conducted in laboratory conditions, but they were as close to real-world as possible (simulating driving in the city, town/village, on the highway…) unlike the same measurements according to WLTP and NEDC.
Here are the results obtained for specific models (TOP-5 best and worst).
Which cars have lower consumption than stated
5. Honda Civic Type R
In fifth place is the Honda Civic Type R. The 320-horsepower sport hatchback turned out to be 9.2% more economical than the WLTP test showed, which was completely unexpected from such a powerful model.
4. Dacia/Renault Duster
Right behind the Civic comes the Dacia/Renault Duster with a petrol engine producing 130 hp. The popular Franco-Romanian crossover has already established itself with an excellent price-to-quality ratio, and the efficiency of the 1.3-liter engine only adds to its appeal. The car consumes 10.1 percent less than stated.
3. Volkswagen Up!
A small, light city car that showed a result 10.5% better than in official tests. By the way, it is the most economical model in this list.
2. Honda CR-V Hybrid
In second place in the ranking is a hybrid – and again a Honda. In the case of the CR-V, the petrol engine does not perform a traction role – it is assigned the role of a generator (of energy for the main electric motor). Thus, the internal combustion engine is subject to minimal loads, and consequently consumes much less fuel. Moreover, the WhatCar test showed that it also uses 12.3% less than stated.
1. Ford Ranger (diesel)
The Ranger is far from the most economical car, but it has the smallest difference among all in real versus stated range. A whole 18.6%!
Which cars have higher consumption than stated
5. Audi A3 Sedan
The Audi A3 in the 35 TFSI version is the first in the list of outsiders. It consumes 16% more than WLTP states.
4. Renault Clio e-tech
Fourth place among the most "gluttonous" cars went to the hybrid Renault Clio. In the test, it consumed 19.6% more fuel than stated.
3. Ford Fiesta
In third place is the Ford Fiesta with a 1.0-liter petrol engine producing 155 hp. The engine, as you can see, is productive and, as expected, "appetizing." The difference is around 20%.
2. Suzuki Swace
And in the penultimate place is the Suzuki Swace hybrid, which showed a result 21.6% worse than in WLTP tests.
1. BMW 420d
Finally, the last car in the anti-TOP is the BMW 420d. According to the WhatCar test, its fuel consumption difference is 26.4% (more than stated).
