Some hybrids in firing line over ‘real world’ MPG

SOME hybrids have come under some scrutiny this week after research claimed that most don’t nearly match their advertised fuel consumption.

It has to be said that some seem to fare well but others, judging by the figures, are well off the mark.

The findings, by HonestJohn.co.uk research, are based on 148,000 fuel reports by Real MPG UK.

The results are bound to be disputed by the relevant marques — especially those who fare badly.

The figures claim some hybrids return a mere one-third of advertised economy, with plugins out by as much as 80mpg.

The analysis particularly points the finger at Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen.

After the consumer-led motoring website analysed the mpg reports, it said the Mercedes C-Class C350e managed just 36.9pc of its official fuel economy, with the BMW 3 Series 330e and Volkswagen Golf GTE second and third worst on 37.2pc and 38.1pc.

The study says a typical hybrid car in the UK will return on average 70pc of its advertised mpg.

On the plus side, it found the Lexus GS 450h to be the best hybrid for real mpg (84.2pc of claimed return).

It put the Toyota RAV4 hybrid 2WD in second place (79.3pc) and that was followed closely by the Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-i hybrid (77.9pc).

KIA’s Niro hybrid (77.4pc) and the Toyota C-HR (77.2pc) make up the Top Five.

Real MPG invites motorists to submit their cars’ fuel consumption.

How does your hybrid fare in real-world driving?