In a disappointing blow to hybrid owners everywhere, hybrids are testing worse on pollution and fuel efficiency than the claims made by their advertising. "Worse" meaning 60% worse than advertised.

We learned early on that hybrids’ real-life driving conditions may not indeed produce the mileage that car companies claim they get, but in the wake of the rise as environmental friendliness as a marketing tool, claims of efficiency and emissions reduction are being radically misrepresented.

Auto Express magazine tested the Ford Focus ECOnetic, the Toyota Prius , Lexus GS 450h, Mini Cooper, VW Polo BlueMotion, Seat Ibiza ECOmotive and Skoda’s Fabia Greenline. All revealed disappointing results. All results departed significantly from marketing claims, with some showing wide differences, producing twice the emissions as advertised. Some of these cars are the ‘best hybrids available’ on the market, often ranked at the top of hybrid lists. Consumers should be cautious not to be hoodwinked by fancy claims; in many situations, purchasing a smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic vehicle delivers equivalent fuel and emissions benefits as a mis-marketed hybrid.

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