“Passenger Vehicle Petrol Consumption - Measurement in the Real World” 871159

A survey of the in-service fuel consumption of passenger vehicles and derivatives in the Australian fleet was carried out in 1984-85.

Seven hundred and four owners across Australia took part in the survey. Vehicle owners reported by questionnaire the amount of fuel used during four tank fills of normal operation, the distance travelled, and other details of the operating circumstances.

The survey shows a clear downward trend in the fuel consumption of the Australian passenger fleet.

The data also provides comparisons of actual fuel consumption obtained on the road, with laboratory derived values for fuel consumption.

Vehicles in a sub-set of 40 were fitted with fuel flow meters during the survey and tested to Australian Standard 2077 for fuel consumption.

The questionnaire method is shown to be a valid and accurate technique for determining in-service fuel consumption.