Fuel Consumption - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.  What fuel consumption should I expect from my vehicle?
2.  What does ADR81/01 mean and why is it useful?
3.  Can I expect to achieve the same fuel consumption as the ADR figure?
4.  How is the test done?
5.  Does the ADR figure relate to all years of that model?
6.  Is there a difference between ADR81/01, UN ECE R101 and AS2877 figures?
7.  What affects fuel consumption?
8.  Does my vehicle have to be warm or run-in for it to work best?
9.  Is there a difference between manual and automatic?
10.  Does a hybrid vehicle really use less fuel?
11.  Do you have any tips for better fuel economy?

1.  What fuel consumption should I expect from my vehicle?
The fuel consumption figures for New Zealand new models quoted on this website have been obtained using ADR81/01 and are given for comparative purposes. Fuel consumption can vary due to a range of factors such as driver behaviour, condition of the vehicle, operating conditions, accessories fitted etc.

2.  What does ADR81/01 mean and why is it useful?
Fuel consumption figures labelled under the Australian Design Rule 81/01 (ADR81/01) mean that a vehicle has been tested using a standardised test procedure, carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. This allows for direct comparison of fuel consumption figures between makes and models which state ADR81/01.

 
3.  Can I expect to achieve the same fuel consumption as the ADR figure?
Outside the laboratory it is difficult to replicate the controlled test conditions which produce the ADR figures. For this reason, ADR figures provide fuel consumption data only as a means to compare different vehicles tested using this procedure. Actual fuel consumption in real driving conditions is much more variable, and is unlikely to correlate with data achieved under controlled conditions. Therefore most drivers would experience a higher rate of fuel consumption than that stated under ADR81/01 regulations; however it is also possible to produce lower consumption levels.

 
4.  How is the test done?
Vehicles are driven on the rollers of a dynamometer which is linked to measuring equipment. Room temperatures are carefully controlled between 20°C to 30°C and all vehicles are tested under the same laboratory conditions.

The test consists of an 11 kilometre trip at an average speed of 33.6 km/h in a mixture of urban and highway drive cycles. Approximately two thirds of the test simulates ‘urban’ stop-start type driving (averaging 18.8 km/h) covering a distance of 4 kilometres. The remaining third simulates ‘highway’ driving (at speeds over 100 km/h) and covers a distance of 7 kilometres. The figure listed on our website is a combination of urban and highway to produce an average fuel consumption figure.

 
5.  Does the ADR figure relate to all years of that model?
No, any ADR figure stated only relates to the specific year and model that the test procedure was carried out for.

 
6.  Is there a difference between ADR81/01, UN ECE R101 and AS2877 figures?
Yes, there are differences in the test procedures performed so it may not be accurate to compare data from different sources.

- UN ECE R101 (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation 101) is an internationally recognised test procedure which is common with ADR81/01 so these two figures can be confidently compared.

- AS2877 is an old procedure that uses slightly different test methods resulting in consumption figures lower than methods achieved by the ADR or UN tests, therefore AS2877 figures can not be compared.

 
7.  What affects fuel consumption?
Actual fuel consumption varies with driver behaviour, vehicle condition, operating environment, tyres, accessories fitted etc. For example, a driver who abruptly uses the accelerator and/or brake will experience greater consumption than a driver that accelerates more smoothly. A vehicle that has not been serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or is not using the correct tyre pressures will also experience greater fuel consumption. Fitment of accessories can increase fuel consumption by adding weight and/or wind resistance.

 
8.  Does my vehicle have to be warm or run-in for it to work best?
When a vehicle is used for short runs most of the time (cold running), the engine rarely reaches its optimal operating temperature and consequently fuel consumption is normally higher. Generally with new vehicles, there is a noticeable improvement in economy as a new engine frees up - it should reach its best performance after the vehicle has travelled 5,000 to 10,000 kilometres.

  
9.  Is there a difference between manual and automatic?
As a general rule, a manual transmission is more fuel-efficient than an automatic.

 
10.  Does a hybrid vehicle really use less fuel?
Hybrid models are generally more fuel-efficient than most traditional vehicles as they allow the petrol engine to operate at its most efficient levels by seamlessly integrating power from both an electric motor and a petrol engine. The petrol engine can switch off when it is not required, such as when stopped at traffic lights and during deceleration, and energy is recovered for later use when it would usually be wasted.

 
11.  Do you have any tips for better fuel economy?
-Wheels and tyres: Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month. Under inflated tyres increase drag and therefore can increase fuel costs. Inflate your vehicle's tyres to the recommended pressure and make sure your wheels are properly aligned. Looking after your tyres will not only reduce your fuel consumption it will also extend tyre life and improve handling and safety.

-Regular servicing: Regular servicing is strongly recommended. A neglected vehicle will use more fuel than necessary.

-Smooth driving: Drive at a good distance from the car in front so you can anticipate traffic changes, rather than reacting to them at the last moment. Driving smoothly, and avoiding hard acceleration and braking, can achieve fuel savings. Hard acceleration and revving can use significantly more fuel.

-Air conditioning: Although the latest air conditioning units are designed to be efficient, their use will increase fuel consumption slightly. However, at higher speeds the use of air conditioning is better for fuel consumption than an open window.

-Minimise fuel wasted in idling: Do not keep the engine idling for more than two minutes while waiting for someone, loading or unloading the vehicle. By having the engine switched off, even for a short period, you will save more fuel than is lost from the burst of fuel involved in restarting the engine.

-Drive in a high gear: The engine runs most efficiently at low revs, you should change up through the gears as soon as practical and avoid strong acceleration, particularly from a cold start. Automatic transmissions will shift up more quickly and smoothly if you ease back slightly on the accelerator once the car gathers momentum.

-Low wind resistance: Additional parts on the exterior of a vehicle such as roof racks, or having the window open, increases air resistance and fuel consumption. Modern vehicles are wind tunnel tested to develop the most fuel-efficient shape so altering these contours will lead to increased fuel consumption.