Some cars promoted as environmentally-friendly have been criticised for pumping out up to 56% more CO2 than claimed by their manufacturers.
Three models - the Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus GS 3450h and the Skoda Fabia Greenline 1.4 TDI were all labelled as 'gimmicks' by Auto Express after testing. A further five models also failed to match their advertised emissions - the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Econetic, Mini Cooper Cubman D, Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion. SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive and Toyota Prius T Spirit - but were branded as 'green' by the publication.
The worst emissions offender in the tests was the Honda Civic Hybrid. Testers found it to emit 171 g/km of CO2, compared to the 109 g/km of the manufacturer
Auto Express editor-in-chief David Johns said it was crucial that consumers knew whether cars billed as eco-friendly were 'truly green or really just pure gimmick'.The official manufacturer data is based on laboratory tests conducted in line with Government standards.
A spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said cars may emit more CO2 under real world operating conditions, but insisted that all cars had the same 'industry standards'. (The Times/Daily Mail: May 19).
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