5:50 pm, May 18, 2011
ADVANCES in engine technology are helping motorists weather the storm of spiralling fuel prices, according to CAP.
Analysis by the car prices firm reveals how smaller petrol engines in particular offer more miles per gallon, stronger performance and less pollution than ever before.
Since 2003 the average engine size in a small family car has reduced by four per cent while power output has risen by 12 per cent and combined cycle fuel consumption has improved by 16 per cent.
Average CO2 output has also fallen by 18 per cent over the period.
David Saville, who runs CAP’s New Vehicle Data department said: ‘The automotive industry has made massive strides in improving the efficiency of engines and this is paying dividends for hard-pressed motorists who need more than ever to keep spiralling fuel costs in check.
‘Take the example of a leading small family car, the Volkswagen Golf. Back in 2003 a Golf 1.6 litre petrol engine had a power output of 105 bhp, with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 39.8 MPG, and produced a CO2 figure of 170g/km. This vehicle would have cost £831.00 to fuel over 10,000 miles at 2003 pump prices.
‘Move forward to 2011 and the latest generation Golf and we have a 1.2 litre pressure charged engine, producing 105 bhp with combined fuel consumption of 49.6 MPG and a CO2 figure of 134g/km. Fuelling this latest Golf over 10,000 miles at current prices would cost £1199.
‘Without those new engine improvements the Golf would cost £1494 to fuel at today’s prices, proving how important engine downsizing and ever increasing efficiency is for the motorist’s budget.
‘Our illustrations, using models that have spanned the last eight years, prove how successful car manufacturers are at making this concept a reality.’
