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The Australian Automobile Association’s Real-World Testing Program tests new petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid cars on local roads for their fuel consumption and emissions performance, and compares those results to the mandatory laboratory test figure that’s promoted on the windscreen label.
The program has today released a new tranche of testing results for 17 models – 15 of which were found to use more fuel or power than their laboratory test suggested.
Among the new tranche, the GWM Jolion Hybrid had the worst fuel consumption performance on real roads compared to its lab test – a variance of 25%.
Of the electric vehicles tested, the BYD Dolphin achieved a battery range of 313km in real-world conditions – 24% less range than the lab test.
The program, which is funded by the Federal Government since 2023, has now tested a total of 154 popular vehicle models, with 77 per cent of those found to use more fuel or power in real-world conditions than advertised.
The Mazda 2 has been found to have the biggest variance in that time – it was found to use 35 per cent more fuel in real-world conditions.
The real-world results of all vehicles tested can be found at https://realworld.org.au/
RAA Principal Advisor Energy and Future Mobility Peter Nattrass said the Real-World Testing Program was giving car buyers vital information about how much a vehicle would cost to run in Australian conditions.
“With fuel prices putting real pressure on household budgets, the Real-World Testing Program has never been more important for car buyers,” Mr Nattrass said.
“If you’re in the market for a vehicle, accurate information about how much it will cost to run is likely to be a key consideration.
“The list of real-world test results on the AAA website is a fantastic resource for anyone comparing vehicles or making a purchase decision.
“Drivers need to be aware that the fuel consumption figure shown on the sticker of a vehicle is a laboratory test result, and how that car performs outside of a laboratory on Australian roads, in Australian weather can be very different.
“For the most accurate fuel consumption information when it comes to Australian conditions – visit the Real-World Testing website.”
Appendix: Latest Real-World Testing Program Results
| Petrol & hybrid models | Fuel result variance | RWT fuel result (L/100km) | Lab fuel result (L/100km) | ||
| Small car | Kia K4 | 15% | 7.0 | 6.1 | |
| Small SUV | GWM Jolion Hybrid | 27% | 6.5 | 5.1 | |
| Medium SUVs | Audi Q5 (mild hybrid) | 19% | 7.0 | 5.9 | |
| GWM Haval H6 Hybrid | 19% | 6.2 | 5.2 | ||
| Honda ZR-V | 10% | 7.7 | 7.0 | ||
| Mazda CX60 (mild hybrid) | 5% | 7.8 | 7.4 | ||
| Subaru Forester AWD | -1% | 7.8 | 7.9 | ||
| Large SUVs | Chery Tiggo 8 Pro | -2% | 8.6 | 8.7 | |
| Kia Sorrento Hybrid | 2% | 5.8 | 5.7 | ||
| MG QS | 9% | 9.1 | 8.4 | ||
| Diesel models | Fuel result variance | RWT fuel result (L/100km) | Lab fuel result (L/100km) | ||
| Ute (4WD) | MG U9 | 9% | 8.6 | 7.9 | |
| Large SUV | Toyota Landcruiser 300 | 4% | 9.2 | 8.9 | |
| People Mover | Ford Torneo | 5% | 7.7 | 7.4 | |
| Electric vehicles | Range variance | RWT calculated range (km) | Lab range (km) | ||
| Medium car | BYD Dolphin | -24% | 313km | 410km | |
| Small SUV | MG S5 | -6% | 399km | 425km | |
| Medium SUVs | BYD Sealion | -17% | 469km | 576km | |
| Kia EV 5 | -3% | 537km | 555km | ||
Energy consumption and electric range figures quoted are reported in accordance with the Australian Government’s regulated standard, Australian Design Rule 81/02, and published on the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide (greenvehicleguide.gov.au).
Relevant vehicle brands have been notified prior to the publication of any vehicle testing results. Information provided on any Australian Automobile Association (AAA) ACN 008 526 369 (AAA) website, media release, publication, social media platform and/or application (Medium/s) is for information purposes only. The information provided via the Mediums is correct as at the time of publication only. The AAA does not warrant the currency or accuracy of the information thereafter. AAA will not be responsible for any claims, damages, costs, or losses following any reliance placed on any information provided via the Mediums. It is your responsibility to ensure that any information provided via the Mediums are relevant and appropriate to you. The AAA provides no warranty and carries no responsibility in relation to this.
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