Cars use 35pc less fuel but we drive more

CARS are 35pc more efficient than 20 years ago but we’re driving them further so savings are hit, a new study reveals.

Fuel efficiency has improved by 35pc since 1998, according to data expert Cartell.ie.

However, we still face stiff EU penalties for increased carbon emissions.

Cartell studied all new vehicles sold between 1998 and 2017 and found consumption dropped from 6.98 litres/100kms in 1998 to 4.53l/100 last year.

The biggest improvement arose between 2007 and 2017 (from 6.56 l/100 to 4.53 l/100).

That coincided with the switch to diesel as C02 emissions determined the level of taxation on new cars from 2008.

But while cars made since 2008 are 31pc more fuel-efficient, we are driving them further — a key point made by Cartell’s John Byrne.

He says: “This has led to an increase in our carbon footprint, and Ireland is facing heavy fines. Vehicles imported are also producing more CO2 than vehicles purchased new.

“Overall the Government will be disappointed. We easily surpassed the EU emissions target in 2016 but we still face heavy penalties.”