New car fuel economy improves by 25%

The overall fuel economy of new cars has improved by a quarter since 1997, mostly in the last ten years, according to Energy Use & CO2 Emissions, a new report from the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

While carbon emissions from all forms of road transport continue to rise, the rate from cars fell from 196 grammes of CO2 per km in 1997 to 174 grammes in 2008.  Total UK emissions are forecast to increase, but those from cars are set to continue falling.

The report also found that that:

  • People's perception is that cars and aircraft are the two biggest carbon polluters, when in fact the top two are power stations and industry.
  • Today's cars generate 14% of all CO2 emissions in the UK, marginally less than in 2000, despite an increase of four million cars on the road,
  • Average new car fuel consumption for petrol cars fell from 8.28 litres per 100km in 1997 to 6.93 litres per 100km in 2008.
  • Households produce as much CO2 as cars.

"Manufacturers should take credit for producing models across the range that are cleaner and greener," said the IAM's director of policy and research Neil Greig.  "But driving style is crucial - the best fuel-saver is a light right foot and anticipation of the road ahead."

  1. Keep your vehicle moving rather than stopping and starting.  Look further ahead and slow down earlier to avoid stopping.  Driving at a constant speed is far more fuel-efficient than heavy accelerating and braking.
  2. Put your car on a diet.  Remove unnecessary weight, including roof racks, car clutter and heavy items in the boot.
  3. Try to avoid using air conditioning and climate control at low speeds as they increase fuel consumption.  Open a window instead.
  4. At high speeds, close your windows to maintain the car's aerodynamics.  Use air-con to get the car to a comfortable temperature, then turn it off to save fuel.
  5. Clean screens rarely mist up - which means you will use the heater and air-conditioning less.
  6. Try changing up your gears earlier; for petrol engines at 2,500 rpm and for diesels 2,000 rpm.
  7. Reverse into parking bays.  Manoeuvring with a cold engine uses more fuel, so make the most of having a hot engine.
  8. It will take most cars at least a couple of miles to warm up and run efficiently.  Could you walk or cycle instead?
  9. Drive at an even pace over speed humps.  Slowing down and speeding up drinks more fuel.
  10. Stick to the speed limit.

"Despite what some 'experts' may say, Britain's drivers and the motor industry are doing their bit to reduce carbon emissions," Neil Greig added. "Drivers are shifting to greener engines and have embraced incentives like cheaper road tax for more fuel-efficient models."