Emissions Analytics is an independent British entity that assesses the environmental impact of emissions from cars sold in Europe. In its most recent EQUA Index study, this entity submitted more than 100 models to the real-life emissions test RDE (Real Driving Emissions) – a regulation that will be complemented by the new WLTP regulation in September.
This RDE emission test consists of measuring the emissions and consumption of the models under real conditions of use.
Does anyone comply with emissions regulations?
The answer is yes, indeed there are those who comply with emissions standards. But most automobiles on sale have worrying discrepancies.
Given the Dieselgate scandal, one would expect German models to be the hardest hit by these tests. They weren't. The Volkswagen Group even managed to place 10 models in this Top 15 in a universe of more than 100 models.
Out of more than 100 Diesel models tested under real conditions, only 15 met the Euro 6 NOx emission standards. A dozen models exceeded 12 times or more the legal limit.
The tested models were divided into an alphabetical ranking:
The distribution of the models tested in the ranking is as follows:
Responding to the results, a Volkswagen spokesperson said: "Achieving such strong ratings for our diesel vehicles during a test in real and standardized conditions serves to reassure consumers that they can buy our products with confidence."
Still, diesel engines aren't the only ones under pressure from new emission regulations. Since the Euro 5 standard, diesel engines are required to use particulate filters, gasoline engines will soon also be subject to the same measure. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be the first production model to use this technology. In the near future, more brands should follow in its footsteps. Grupo PSA even publishes the results of its models in real conditions.
What models are emission-compliant?
Interestingly, it is the successor of the engine that was at the epicenter of the Dieselgate scandal that now dominates the ranking of "well behaved". Curious, isn't it? We are talking about the 2.0 TDI engine (EA288) in the 150hp variant.Models that comply with standards:
- 2014 Audi A5 2.0 TDI ultra (163 hp, manual gearbox)
- 2016 Audi Q2 2.0 TDI Quattro (150hp, automatic)
- 2013 BMW 320d (184 hp, manual)
- 2016 BMW 530d (265 hp, automatic)
- 2016 Mercedes-Benz E 220 d (194 HP, automatic)
- 2015 Mini Cooper SD (168 hp, manual)
- 2016 Porsche Panamera 4S Diésel 2016 (420 hp, automatic)
- 2015 Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI (150 hp, manual)
- 2016 Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI (150 hp, manual)
- 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan 2.0 TDI (150 hp, automatic)
- 2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI (120 hp, manual)
- 2015 Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI (150 HP, manual)
- 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI (150 HP, automatic)
- 2016 Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI (110 HP, manual)
Do you want to know the results of your car?
If you have a diesel, gasoline or hybrid car, and want to know its position in the RDE ranking, you can consult the EQUA results table, which contains more than 500 models tested over the last few months. just click on this link.