I suspect that most other manufacturers have been up to something like this, so if you have a diesel car, be worried.
On a related note, for years I've wondered why I've never been able to achieve the fuel consumption figures claimed in car manufacturers' brochures. Not even got close. Surely there's been no funny business there? Surely not!
I used to work for Jaguar and they get the MPG figures from driving the car at a constant 55 mph round the test track at Mira. In practice nobody ever drives at a constant 55; on the motorways people drive at 70 (or more) and on roads where you would drive at 55/60, you always have to slow down and accelerate due to junctions and traffic etc (which uses more fuel). Even the simulated urban driving figures are pretty well unachievable in practice.
Well I have always thought that the Germans thought that the Yanks were daft for siding with us. I have a VW myself, but I aint worried (yet).
I reckon most of them are at it Ive a 5 series BMW "efficient dynamics" which allegedly does over 62mpg combined - when you start the car it comes up in Efficient dynamics mode - the aircon power is reduced the performance is gutless. so I doubt anyone drives it in this mode, but of course this is the mode used for the test figures. They also fit different tyres with a low rolling resistance - no grip and rock hard ride, but no one buys it with those. I always switch it straight to comfort or sport and am averaging 46mpg - still good for a car that size but not even close to the official figures. Even on a long motorway run I can only get low 50's The french aren't so streetwise - I actually used to get better than the official figures on my old Pug 407 though it was significantly worse than the BMW
Yes but the 2 are linked - my BMW allegedy emits only 119gms CO2 for example my old Pug was double that officially even though it was only 25% less fuel efficient - that doesnt stack up.
