Real Fuel Consumption: Car Reviews & Average MPG – alVolante Data

Automobile testing by the Italian publication alVolante reveals a significant disparity between manufacturer-reported fuel consumption figures and real-world performance, a gap that is becoming increasingly relevant as fuel prices rise across Europe. The publication’s recent testing methodology focuses on measuring fuel consumption in actual traffic conditions – city, extra-urban, and highway – to calculate a more accurate average, a metric deemed most useful for consumers.

As of March 22, 2026, the average price of gasoline in Italy is €1.648 per liter for self-service and €1.789 per liter for attended service, according to data from prezzomediobenzina.it. Diesel fuel averages €1.6945 per liter (self-service) and €1.8331 per liter (attended service). These prices underscore the importance of accurate fuel consumption data for vehicle buyers.

alVolante’s testing procedures are designed to address the limitations of standard homologation processes, which often yield optimistic consumption numbers. The publication’s data, collected over the past two years, is being released in a series of reports, with initial findings focusing on overall average consumption. Subsequent reports will detail performance in specific driving environments – city, extra-urban, and highway – as well as for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Regional variations in fuel prices are also notable. Data from the Italian Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT), updated March 22, 2026, shows gasoline prices in the Abruzzo region averaging €1.700 per liter (self-service), while Calabria reports an average of €1.745 per liter. Diesel prices vary similarly, with Molise recording €1.990 per liter (self-service) and Friuli Venezia Giulia at €1.963 per liter. These regional differences highlight the potential cost savings associated with fuel-efficient vehicles.

The increasing availability of alternative fuels is also reflected in the price data. GPL (liquefied petroleum gas) averages €0.6970 per liter (self-service), while methane is priced at €1.4344 per liter (self-service). Several variations of diesel, including HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and bio-diesel blends, are also listed, with prices ranging from €1.6302 to €1.9758 per liter depending on the blend and service type.

Apps like Pieno+ are also available to help consumers locate fuel stations and compare prices, further emphasizing the growing consumer focus on fuel costs. alVolante has not yet released its full rankings, stating that further analysis of specific driving conditions and vehicle types will be published in upcoming reports.