A new "green" fuel to be introduced in the UK to meet EU regulations could be costly and harmful, according to tests carried out.
The E10 fuel, which contains 10% bio-ethanol, was less efficient than the current E5 (up to 5% bio-ethanol) blend across every engine type tested, What Car? magazine said
The tests also showed an increase in carbon dioxide tailpipe emissions.
What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said the Government should carry out comprehensive UK-focused testing to better understand the financial impact of the new petrol.
He added: "The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the detrimental effect of E10 on fuel economy is between 3% and 4% but even our small sample of tests proves otherwise. To lead consumers into E10 without fully communicating the significant impact on fuel economy, particularly for drivers least able to absorb the extra costs, is irresponsible."
What Car? tested E10 against E0 "pure" petrol so it could directly compare results with the US EPA's. The cars used were a three-cylinder turbo (Dacia Sandero), a Hyundai i30, a hybrid (Toyota Prius+) and a four-cylinder turbo (Mini Paceman).
The Sandero struggled the most with an 11.5% drop in economy. The i30 was almost as bad, managing 9.8% fewer miles on E10.
CO2 emissions increased in every vehicle tested by What Car?.
Overall, the What Car? tests suggested more powerful cars cope better with a higher ethanol content, leaving smaller cars - often bought by drivers on a tighter budget - worst affected.
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