Independent, on-road emissions ratings provide clarity for consumers when buying a car

Jaguar Land Rover has become the first car maker to submit new cars for independent on-road emissions testing. Using the AIR Index rating system, there are some startling results.

The AIR Index informs and empowers car buyers and city policymakers with the real facts about vehicle emissions. A simple A-to-E colour-coded rating shows the difference between clean and dirty vehicles.

The AIR Index ratings reveal that the diesel engines tested are among the cleanest models for NOx emissions in Europe. Ratings are based on at least two independently sourced cars, over three separate tests. This includes at least five, 10km trips conducted on paved roads, using on-board Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) testing equipment.

All of the vehicles achieved an A rating in the tests, the cleanest possible rating. Here is a model-by-model breakdown of Jaguar Land Rover’s AIR Index ratings:

Massimo Fedeli, Co-founder and Operations Director

“The AIR Index provides easy to understand, at-a-glance information on actual vehicle emissions to help consumers compare vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover asked us to put a range of their new diesel cars to the test, and the evidence shows that their latest engines are extremely clean. All of the four models tested achieved the AIR Index A rating, meaning they produce the lowest levels of NOx emissions in urban driving.

“AIR Index ratings show that perceptions of the emissions produced by particular vehicle types, such as SUVs, can be misleading. In fact, Jaguar’s E-PACE and Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque are amongst the cleanest cars on sale of any type, not just vehicles within the SUV segment. The perfect example is the Land Rover Discovery, which produced NOx emissions 20 times lower than a diesel Renault Clio supermini.

“This was created to provide clarity through the publication of trusted, easily accessible and independent information, essential for car buyers and policymakers to use when making important vehicle choices that can rapidly improve urban air quality.”

Rawdon Glover, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director

“We’re vocal about the benefits of diesel technology in recent years and I am delighted to see simple, clear and accurate consumer information about urban vehicle emissions published and available with the AIR Index.

“The AIR Index ratings reflects Jaguar Land Rover’s investment in class-leading technology and its hard-working, talented engineers. There are some stand-out results here with the superb performance of our new Jaguar SUVs worthy of specific praise. As a result, this disproves the notion that all diesel SUVs are ‘dirty’.

“The modern diesel engine certainly has a place in the current automotive landscape. I’m confident that the AIR Index will provide the trusted, independent information essential to inform car buyers.”