The government has published the findings of its research into the potential manipulation of emission controls, as a response to consumer demand.

Results have shown that there has been no detection of test cycle manipulation strategies, like those that were employed by the Volkswagen Group, reports the Department for Transport.

Tests have further shown that nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are higher in real-life situations when compared with test track and laboratory conditions.

Although results varied significantly between all makes and models, all of those that the UK government tested showed the same levels of NOx across the three situations.

Tests were carried out on 56 different vehicle types in Germany and 37 vehicle types in the UK over six months.

Currently, lab tests to check the levels of emissions aren't adequate when it comes to on-the-road situations. As a result, from next year cars and other vehicles will be subject to emissions limits tests in real driving conditions.