Inflated MPG Claim by the Car Manufacturers

Whether
you have bought a petrol or diesel vehicle, you are most probably aware of the
reality that it is almost impossible to get even closer to the figures quoted
by the car manufacturers for its MPG (Miles per Gallon). So you might wonder
why these manufactures claim such inflated figures when they know it very well
that nobody in the world is going to experience the figures. 

Fuel
economy is one of the most significant deciding factors while buying a vehicle
as it could produce a heavy impact on yearly motoring cost. The motorists on
average reportedly gain 12,000 miles/year on their car. If you have bought a
diesel car with 62mpg as claimed by the manufacturer and an average price £1.42
per liter, it would make you pay £1341.90. That would see a hefty increase in
cost (assuming the price of diesel will remain same throughout the year). Now
that simple arithmetic makes it clear that it would make a significant
difference over motoring in a particular year. 

Now
the question is how the car manufacturers get off scot-free even after quoting
inflated figures of MPG. The MPG figures for all vehicles are regulated by the
NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). These officially specified figures are acquired
by stringent test guidelines and the manufacturers have permission to quote the
inflated ‘number’. 

Is
there any problem with the tests?

The
major problem with these tests is they are performed in proper “laboratory”
conditions. The car is subject to several tests after all the standard
electrical tools (radio, lights, air conditioning etc) are switched off on a
flat smooth road and under a regulated temperature. 

Despite
the fact that these results are achieved through acceleration and retardation
of the vehicle, it is performed at a slower rate and over a shorter distance. While
obtaining the urban figures, an even shorter distance is chosen. So you can now
see why it is hardly possible to reach the MPG as advertised by the manufacturers.