- Fuel Economy: The Real Numbers
- Petrol Cars: Real-World Consumption
- Hybrid Cars: Real-World Consumption
- Electric Cars: Energy Consumption
- Annual Fuel Costs
- Tips for Better Fuel Economy
- Conclusion
Fuel Economy: The Real Numbers
Official fuel economy figures rarely match real-world driving in the UAE's extreme heat and traffic conditions. This guide provides real-world fuel consumption data for popular Chinese cars based on owner reports and independent testing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Petrol Cars: Real-World Consumption
- Changan Alsvin: Claimed 6.2 L/100km, Real 6.8 L/100km (city), 6.0 L/100km (highway)
- MG5: Claimed 6.0 L/100km, Real 6.5 L/100km (city), 5.8 L/100km (highway)
- Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Claimed 7.0 L/100km, Real 7.8 L/100km (city), 7.0 L/100km (highway)
- Geely Monjaro: Claimed 7.5 L/100km, Real 8.5 L/100km (city), 7.5 L/100km (highway)
- Haval H6: Claimed 7.2 L/100km, Real 8.0 L/100km (city), 7.2 L/100km (highway)
- Changan UNI-V: Claimed 6.5 L/100km, Real 7.2 L/100km (city), 6.5 L/100km (highway)
City driving in Dubai's traffic increases consumption by 10% to 15% compared to highway driving. Air conditioning use in summer adds another 10% to 15%.
Hybrid Cars: Real-World Consumption
- BYD Song Plus DM-i: Claimed 1.5 L/100km (combined), Real 3.5 L/100km (city with charging), 5.0 L/100km (city without charging)
- Haval H6 HEV: Claimed 5.5 L/100km, Real 6.2 L/100km (city), 5.8 L/100km (highway)
- Changan UNI-K iDD: Claimed 1.8 L/100km (combined), Real 4.0 L/100km (city with charging)
Plug-in hybrids achieve their best economy when charged regularly. Without charging, they operate as conventional hybrids with higher consumption.
Electric Cars: Energy Consumption
- BYD Atto 3: Claimed 15.0 kWh/100km, Real 16.5 kWh/100km (city), 15.0 kWh/100km (highway)
- BYD Seal: Claimed 14.0 kWh/100km, Real 15.5 kWh/100km (city), 14.0 kWh/100km (highway)
- Nio ET5: Claimed 16.0 kWh/100km, Real 17.5 kWh/100km (city), 16.0 kWh/100km (highway)
Summer heat increases EV consumption by 15% to 20% due to increased cooling load. Winter driving is more efficient.
Annual Fuel Costs
For 20,000 km per year:
- Changan Alsvin: AED 3,400 (petrol)
- Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: AED 4,000 (petrol)
- BYD Song Plus DM-i: AED 2,000 (with charging) to AED 3,200 (without charging)
- BYD Atto 3: AED 960 (electricity)
Tips for Better Fuel Economy
- Maintain correct tire pressure (underinflated tires increase consumption by 5%)
- Use cruise control on highways
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking
- Remove roof racks when not in use
- Service the car regularly (clean air filter improves efficiency)
- Use eco mode in city driving
Conclusion
Chinese cars offer competitive fuel economy that matches or exceeds competitors. EVs provide the lowest running costs, while hybrids offer a practical middle ground. Petrol Chinese cars are efficient for their class, and regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.
