Leslie Massey
With petrol prices at an all-time high in Australia, it's more important than ever to understand your car's fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency is dependent on several factors, including the type of car, traffic conditions, driving style, and car maintenance. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has implemented a Real-World Testing program to provide consumers with information on fuel consumption and environmental performance, empowering them to make informed purchasing decisions. This delivers additional insights beyond laboratory testing, helping buyers choose economical cars with lower running costs. Various online tools and calculators are also available to estimate fuel efficiency and annual fuel costs for different vehicles. This paragraph introduces the topic of fuel efficiency in Australia, highlighting the impact of rising petrol prices and the resources available to help Australians make informed choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency calculation | Divide the distance travelled by the amount of fuel used |
| Fuel efficiency measurement unit | Litres per 100km (L/100km) |
| Factors affecting fuel efficiency | Vehicle and occupant weight, acceleration, weather, air-conditioning, windows up or down, tyre pressures, route, traffic conditions, driving style, and car maintenance |
| Fuel efficiency improvement techniques | Driving steadily, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, keeping tyres properly inflated, using the recommended grade of motor oil, avoiding idling, avoiding driving in the wrong gear, and minimising use of air conditioning |
| Fuel efficiency testing programs | Real-World Testing Program by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) |
| Fuel-efficient cars in Australia | Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Audi Q5, Toyota Yaris, Mazda-2, Suzuki Swift, Mazda CX-60, Hyundai IONIQ 9, Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid |
| Fuel type | Petrol, diesel, and hybrid |
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars vs. hybrid models
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid models are both more fuel-efficient than traditional petrol or diesel cars. However, there are some key differences between the two types of vehicles that are important to consider when deciding which is right for you.
Firstly, it is worth noting that not all electric vehicles are created equal. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered completely by their battery, making them the only fully electric vehicles. There are other types of EVs, such as Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), which combine a fuel engine with an electric motor. These cars still rely in part on expensive, polluting petrol or diesel, and as a result, emit harmful greenhouse gases and air pollutants.
One of the main advantages of electric cars is that they are far cheaper to power than hybrid or traditional fuel cars. In Australia, the average cost of electricity is $0.25 per kWh, which means it would cost around $4.50 to drive 100km in an electric car. In comparison, a hybrid car with a combustion engine might cost double that of an electric vehicle to run, with refuelling an 80-litre tank costing between $80 and $100.
Another advantage of electric cars is that they are better for the environment. BEVs do not emit any CO2 while in use, whereas popular PHEVs emit around 40g of CO2 per km and HEVs produce more than double this amount. Electric cars also have unique features such as regenerative braking, which stores the energy created when you hit the brakes for later use by the electric motor, making them even more efficient.
However, one of the disadvantages of electric cars is that they require recharging, which can take a significant amount of time. While public charging stations are becoming more widely available in Australia, recharging an electric car from a standard power point can take up to 24 hours. Installing a charging outlet can reduce this time to around four hours, but this adds additional costs.
Hybrid cars, on the other hand, offer a good midpoint between fuel and electric. They are more fuel-efficient than traditional petrol or diesel cars, with some hybrids offering a reduction in fuel use of up to 50%. Additionally, hybrids do not require the same level of recharging infrastructure as electric cars, making them a more convenient option for those who need to travel long distances or who do not have easy access to charging stations.
In conclusion, both electric cars and hybrid models offer improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional fuel cars. Electric cars are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective to run, but require more recharging infrastructure. Hybrid cars are a good compromise, offering improved fuel efficiency and the convenience of traditional refuelling, but may not be as cost-effective or environmentally friendly as electric cars. Ultimately, the decision between an electric car and a hybrid model will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
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Real-world testing
The Real-World Testing Program, conducted by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and funded by the Commonwealth, tests car fuel consumption and environmental performance under real-world operating conditions on public roads. This $14 million program delivers consumers additional information on a car's fuel consumption and environmental performance beyond what is derived from lab testing. The AAA plans to test approximately 200 model variants over the duration of the program (2023 to 2026).
Fuel consumption and emissions are measured by a portable emissions measurement system fitted to the vehicle's exhaust. Vehicles are driven on the road in accordance with a test protocol developed by the AAA and based on international regulations, with some minor adjustments for Australian conditions. The program will initially target models and variants in the most popular vehicle segments to maximise the proportion of new vehicle sales covered by the program. New and updated models will also be tested as they are released in the coming years.
In the latest round of the AAA's Real-World Testing Program, eight out of 21 cars, SUVs and utes tested recorded fuel consumption levels between 6% and 31% higher than in their laboratory test results. Among the cars tested, 11 delivered fuel consumption within 5% of lab test results, while eight exceeded their lab test fuel consumption by 6% or more. Two vehicles had on-road fuel consumption 10% to 13% lower than their lab results - the Kia Cerato small hatch and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
It's important to remember that the way a car is driven can significantly impact its fuel consumption. Human factors and differences in vehicle design can lead to subjective perceptions of speed and acceleration, resulting in varying fuel efficiency outcomes. Additionally, modern small-capacity turbo engines with auto gearboxes may be optimised for standardised tests rather than real-world driving conditions, contributing to discrepancies between lab results and on-road performance.
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Fuel efficiency ratings
To address this discrepancy, organisations like the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) have implemented Real-World Testing programs. These programs assess fuel consumption and environmental performance under practical operating conditions on public roads. This empowers consumers to make purchasing decisions based on real-world data rather than solely relying on laboratory test results.
When considering fuel efficiency, it's worth noting that certain vehicles inherently have better ratings. Hybrid vehicles, which combine an internal combustion engine with a rechargeable battery, tend to be the most fuel-efficient. However, fuel-efficient options exist across various car categories, including small cars, SUVs, and utes.
If you're looking to improve the fuel efficiency of your current vehicle, there are several strategies you can employ. Maintaining proper tyre pressure, regular servicing and oil changes, and driving steadily can all contribute to reducing fuel consumption. Additionally, comparing your vehicle's fuel consumption with the standard fuel consumption for the same model can help identify any deviations and areas for improvement.
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Factors affecting fuel consumption
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many Australian drivers, with rising fuel costs and concerns about the environmental impact of fuel consumption. Several factors influence how fuel-efficient a car is.
Firstly, vehicle size matters. Larger vehicles require more power to move, leading to higher fuel consumption. Larger cars also tend to have larger fuel tanks, which can impact refuelling costs. In contrast, smaller vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient, but their smaller tanks may result in more frequent refuelling.
Secondly, driving habits play a significant role in fuel efficiency. Driving at high speeds, aggressive acceleration, and frequent driving in stop-and-go conditions all contribute to higher fuel consumption. Smooth driving, on the other hand, can help improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, external factors like city driving, having the windows open, or using roof racks can increase aerodynamic drag, leading to increased fuel usage.
The age and condition of a vehicle's engine are also important considerations. Older engines tend to be less fuel-efficient due to wear and tear, and poorly maintained engines can consume more fuel. Regular servicing and proper engine care can help improve fuel efficiency.
Finally, fuel efficiency is closely tied to economic and environmental factors. Cars with poor fuel efficiency tend to have higher operating costs due to more frequent refuelling. Additionally, they contribute more to climate change through increased emissions and pollution. As a result, many Australians are considering fuel-efficient cars or electric vehicles to reduce their environmental impact and fuel costs.
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Most fuel-efficient cars in Australia
Fuel efficiency is a top priority for many Australian car buyers, especially with the rising cost of fuel contributing to the increasing cost of living in Australia. While hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more common, there are still plenty of non-electric, non-hybrid options that offer excellent fuel economy.
The most fuel-efficient cars are often more expensive to purchase, have a lower range, and can be more difficult to maintain. However, they can also save you money in the long run, especially with the recent proliferation of hybrid technologies.
Some of the most fuel-efficient cars in Australia include:
- Toyota Corolla: Known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, the Corolla has been sold in Australia since 1966 and has become the world's best-selling vehicle. The hybrid model offers a fuel economy of 4.0 L/100 km.
- Toyota Yaris: A small car model known for its high performance and fuel efficiency, consuming 4.9 L/100 km.
- Mazda-2: A popular small car model in Australia, consuming 5.4 L/100 km.
- Suzuki Swift: A compact and inexpensive car, ideal for learner drivers, with a fuel economy of 5.4 L/100 km.
- Volkswagen Golf: The 2013-2016 models deliver around 7.4 L/100km in the city and 5.2 L/100km on the highway.
- Nissan Pulsar: The 2013-2016 models provide a fuel economy of 7.7 L/100km in the city and 5.3 L/100km on the highway.
- Mitsubishi Lancer: Known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
- Honda Civic: Models from 2013-2016 can achieve a fuel economy of 6.7 L/100km in the city and 4.9 L/100km on the highway.
- Hyundai Elantra: The 2013-2016 models offer a fuel economy of 7.0 L/100km in the city and 5.1 L/100km on the highway.
- Audi Q5: A popular midsize SUV and the most fuel-efficient diesel SUV model in Australia, consuming 4.8 L/100km.
It's worth noting that fuel efficiency can vary depending on various factors such as the size and type of vehicle, the type of fuel used, driving conditions, and individual driving habits.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel efficiency is measured by how many litres of fuel your car uses to travel 100km. A lower number indicates better fuel efficiency.
Traffic conditions, driving style, and car maintenance can all impact fuel efficiency. Driving steadily, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, keeping your tyres properly inflated, and using the recommended grade of motor oil can help improve fuel efficiency.
Some of the most fuel-efficient cars in Australia include the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Audi Q5 (diesel SUV), Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift, and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid.
Electric cars are generally more energy-efficient than hybrid models and contribute to improved fuel economy. However, hybrid vehicles are a popular choice for those transitioning to electric as they offer better fuel efficiency than traditional petrol or diesel engines.
There are several ways to improve your car's fuel efficiency, such as removing roof racks when not in use, avoiding idling and unnecessary use of air conditioning, and ensuring proper tyre inflation and maintenance.
