Fuel consumption based WLTP driving cycle | WLTP Data

European law means that WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is the new laboratory test used to measure fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, which replaced the old NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure in September 2017. By testing vehicles with extra optional equipment and across a greater range of driving profiles, we can give you fuel consumption figures that are a closer representation of real-world driving behaviour than the current fuel consumption test. The whole Vauxhall range now meets the new requirements with full availability of WLTP-certified cars.

Key Timings

1st September 2017 - WLTP measurement to be used all new car models

1st September 2018 - WLTP applies to all new car sales

1st January 2019 - WLTP fuel consumption figures to be displayed alongside back correlated NEDC figures for CO2

6th April 2020 - WLTP CO2 figure is used to calculate VED and BiK. Options added to vehicles will then affect it's VED/BiK. Before then, VED and BiK will be measured using a back-correlated NEDC CO2 value which does not include options.

1st September 2018 – WLTP measurement to be used all new types of vans. For example, Combo.

1st September 2019 – WLTP applies to all new van sales. Manufacturers must display WLTP fuel consumption figures alongside back correlated NEDC figures for CO2

6th April 2021 – WLTP CO2 figure is used to calculate VED and BiK. Options added to vehicles will then affect it’s VED/BiK. Before then, VED and BiK will be measured using a back-correlated NEDC CO2 value which does not include options.

New Consumption Data

All car price and specification guides have now been updated to show cycle specific WLTP fuel consumption information. CO2 emissions displayed are figures are determined according to the WLTP test cycle however, a Government formula is then applied to translate these figures back to what they would have been under the old NEDC test cycle, which WLTP replaced.

The vehicle fuel consumption or performance won't change with these new figures, the change in figures is due to a change in how the vehicles are tested.

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All vans continue to display NEDC fuel consumption and CO2 values, until September 2019 when fuel consumption will be measured in WLTP.

Vivaro is measured in the WLTP standard.

Comparison

What does it mean for you?

The new WLTP driving cycle takes into account the situations that you see every day. So if you need to estimate your daily consumption, you’ve got a much more accurate method than the NEDC standard.

Swipe to scroll across on the table

	WLTP	NEDC
Start temperature	14°C	20°C - 30°C
Cycle time (both fuel and emissions)	30 min	20 min
Stationary time proportion	13%	25%
Cycle length	ca. 23km	ca. 11km
Speed	Average: 46.6km/h - Maximum: 131km/h	Average: 34km/h - Maximum: 121km/h
Drive power	Average: 7kW Maximum: 47kW	Average: 4kW Maximum: 34kW
Influence of optional equipment and air-conditioning (AC)	Optional equipment is taken into account for weight, aerodynamics and VES (Vehicle Electronics Systems) requirements (no-load current). No AC	Not considered at present

WLTP Measurement Cycles

With NEDC, fuel consumption was displayed in three different phases: Extra-urban, Urban and Combined. WLTP will mean fuel consumption values are now presented in five different phases including a combined figure. See the table below for a comparison between the different types of journey each phase measures.

WLTP tests are still conducted in a laboratory but the tests are more varied, with more realistic testing conditions.

_^NEDC

Urban	Extra Urban	Combined (Total)
2.5 Miles	4.3 Miles	6.8 Miles

_^WLTP

Low Speed	Medium Speed	High Speed	Extra High Speed	Combined
City Driving	Town Driving	Rural Driving	Motorway	Mixture
1.9 miles	3.0 miles	4.5 miles	5.1 miles	14.5 miles
Max 35mph	Max 50mph	Max 60mph	Max 81mph

FAQs

The NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) was introduced in 1992. But since then, cars, roads and driving behaviour have changed quite a bit. It’s is an artificial laboratory test and serves exclusively to compare different vehicles, not to reflect day-to-day driving and fuel consumption. This means that real consumption today is often very different from the NEDC information. The main reasons include:

The theoretical driving profiles it uses don’t match real user profiles.
Insufficient acceleration.
Too many stop phases.
It doesn’t incorporate higher speeds. This sets the average speed too low.
Gear shifting points are broadly defined by transmission type. So they are the same for all cars with manual transmission.
Optional equipment is not being taken into account.

The NEDC is an artificial laboratory test that serves exclusively to compare the fuel consumption of different vehicles. But it doesn’t reflect the fuel consumption of day-to-day driving. This means that real consumption today is often very different from the NEDC information. The main reasons include:

The theoretical driving profiles it uses don’t match real user profiles.
Insufficient acceleration.
Too many stop phases.
It doesn’t incorporate higher speeds. This sets the average speed too low.
Gear shifting points are broadly defined by transmission type. So they are the same for all cars with manual transmission.
Optional equipment is not being taken into account.

The NEDC is based on a theoretical driving profile and consists of two parts. In the first 13 minutes, it simulates a drive in city traffic with many stop-and-go phases. The second part corresponds to an extra-urban journey at a maximum speed of 120 km/h, almost 75 mph.

In order to determine consumption values more realistically, the WLTP driving cycle is based on a global statistical survey of real driving profiles. It includes four parts with different average speeds: low, medium, high and extra high. Each phase includes different amounts and degrees of acceleration, braking and stopping, all to simulate everyday driving.

Since the introduction of NEDC in 1992 cars and driving styles have changed quite a bit. The WLTP test parameters have been redefined to reflect real conditions more closely. They now include:

Longer cycle times (30 min vs 20 min)
Shorter stopping times (13% vs 25%)
Longer distances (about 23 km/14 miles vs 11 km/6 miles)
Higher speeds (max. 130 km/h / 80 mph vs 120 km/h / 75 mph)
Almost 50% higher average speeds
Higher maximum acceleration and more acceleration phases
Approximately 20-30% higher driving power based on the more dynamic driving situations
More realistic determination of driving resistance for fuel consumption tests
Consideration of optional equipment in the vehicle

The values obtained with WLTP are comparable worldwide, while the NEDC values are only valid in Europe.

Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under NEDC. The daily fuel consumption of a vehicle depends very much on the individual usage profile and where and how it is being driven: city traffic, country roads or motorways. These differences are better accounted for by the WLTP driving cycle. Instead of calculating only the values "urban, extra-urban and combined", WLTP provides four individual values for different predetermined travel profiles (low, medium, high, and extra-high) that are based on statistical surveys and the analysis of user profiles and averages. In addition, the WLTP driving cycle is much more dynamic than the NEDC and reflects higher accelerations, a higher average speed and a higher maximum speed.

Each engine/transmission combination of a certain vehicle type is tested with the most economical as well as the most fuel-intensive vehicle equipment. While the introduction of WLTP has resulted in an increase of published fuel consumption figures and CO2 values, these are now much closer to the actual fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Under the new emission standards as of Euro 6d-TEMP, vehicles will have to prove their claimed emissions output in the future under more stringent test conditions. This means that the limit values for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particle emissions not only have to be complied with under the new WLTP laboratory conditions, but they must also be verified in an everyday test.

Therefore, the RDE test procedure (Real Driving Emissions) does not require a fixed driving cycle; distance, acceleration, outside temperature, wind conditions and traffic conditions are freely selectable within given statistical boundary conditions.

Fuel-saving tips

Saving Fuel Made Easy

Fuel consumption can be affected by a number of things but did you know that with a few simple steps you could reduce your consumption by up to a third?

TIP 1: Save on weight to save on fuel

If possible, only pack the essentials in your car. Keeping things in your car which you don't need on your journey adds weight, which uses more fuel. If you aren't using the roof rack and rear carrier, take these off to save weight and wind resistance.

TIP 2: No need to warm up your engine

Modern engines don't need warming up – it just consumes fuel unnecessarily. It's better to just get in and go.

TIP 3: Move up a gear earlier

Changing up a gear early is a simple way to save fuel. If you're pulling away at a green light, shift to 2nd after you've moved a car length. It'll save you even more.

TIP 4: Save on electricity

Electronic extras often use lots of energy. So use air conditioning, seat heating and other electric equipment with care. Small things help, like parking in the shade and cross-ventilating your car when it's hot.

Grandland X view of the premium luxury interior

TIP 5: Go with the flow

Braking and accelerating too often also increases fuel consumption. So it's best to look ahead and adapt to the traffic flow to avoid using the pedals unnecessarily.

TIP 6: No need to rush

On the motorway, patience pays off. Raising your speed increases fuel consumption and empties your tank much faster.

TIP 7: Give your car a break

If you have to stop for longer than 10 seconds, it's worth switching off the car to save fuel. Many Vauxhalls already have an automatic start/stop mechanism to make this easier.

TIP 8: Keep up to date with car maintenance

You should service your car in-line with the recommended schedules for your car (this is listed in your owners manual) and perform regular checks yourself. Remember, don't drive with low tyre pressure - it increases rolling resistance and uses more fuel. Find your recommended tyre pressures in your owners manual.

WLTP DRIVING CYCLE