VOLKSWAGEN’S RESPONSE TO AUTOCAR’S TEST

“Volkswagen was not provided with sufficient information concerning the testing criteria nor an explanation of how such a cycle is representative of real-world driving.

“Volkswagen also notes that comparative fuel consumption measurements must be carried out very meticulously with, among other things, due attention to cycle profile, duration, the type of test rig and settings (including aerodynamic resistances, coast down data and load adjustments), the system used for the measurement and the scatter of test numbers.

“To attain a level of consistency, one measurement is not sufficient and more measurements must be completed on an identical vehicle. Further, as Autocar is aware, in any standard comparative analysis, comprehensive vehicle preparation would always be critical to the reliability of the values.

“It should also be noted that the relevant approval authorities have approved the technical measures and that during the development of the technical measures, Volkswagen worked with care to ensure that fuel consumption figures in the homologation cycle and on the road remain the same when compared with the previous software. If increases in fuel consumption were detected during the development phase, the software was revised and retested.”

Despite VW’S claim, Autocar supplied all test details requested by the manufacturer.