The federal government is being urged to introduce real-world emissions testing for new cars after a study found consumers were increasingly being "ripped off" by laboratory tests.
The Australian Automobile Association says people could be paying more for vehicles they believe are environmentally friendly, but use up to 59 per cent more fuel and emit up to seven times the legal limit of some noxious emissions.
Following the Volkswagen scandal, in which the German car giant admitted cheating emissions tests, the AAA tested 30 vehicles to compare laboratory and real-world test results.
"More stringent emissions laws are meant to reduce pollution and drive down fuel use, however our results suggest such benefits largely occur only in the laboratory," AAA chief executive Michael Bradley said.
"It's becoming clear that as emissions standards tighten, the gap between laboratory results and real-world results is widening, meaning consumers and the environment are increasingly being ripped off."
The AAA said one plug-in hybrid electric vehicle used more than four times the reported fuel consumption.
The peak motoring body wants the federal government to urgently introduce real-world emissions testing for new cars and make the results publicly available.
The testing regime would be modelled on the European standard but adjusted for Australian conditions.
"Australian motorists have a right to accurate information about fuel consumption and environmental performance when buying a new car," Mr Bradley said.
"The current system is misleading consumers and regulators.
"Only real-world testing can drive down costs to consumers and deliver meaningful environmental benefit."
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