
Diesel cars are known for their impressive fuel efficiency, and while they may not be as popular as they once were, they still have a loyal following. If you're looking for a diesel car that offers excellent fuel economy, there are several options available. The Skoda Octavia, for example, is a spacious and practical family car that delivers an incredible 67.3 mpg, making it one of the most efficient diesel cars on the market. The Vauxhall Astra, a previous-generation model, is another excellent choice, achieving more than 56 mpg in real-world conditions and an impressive 73.7 mpg on country roads. For those seeking a more premium option, the Mercedes-Benz E220d saloon offers a fuel economy of 58.9 mpg, and for even higher efficiency, the BMW 3 Series offers a turbodiesel engine that delivers up to 57.6 mpg. If you're looking for a hatchback, the Peugeot 308 is a stylish option with a fuel economy of 59.6 mpg. Additionally, the Honda HR-V, while not as fast as some of its competitors, offers impressive efficiency, with a fuel economy of 47 mpg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most Fuel-Efficient Diesel Cars | Skoda Octavia, Vauxhall Astra, Seat Leon, Honda HR-V, Audi A2, Mercedes-Benz E220d, BMW 3 Series, BMW 1 Series, Peugeot 308 |
| Skoda Octavia MPG | 67.3mpg (official figure), 57.9mpg (Real MPG test), 72.6mpg (rural roads) |
| Vauxhall Astra MPG | 56mpg (real-world conditions), 73.7mpg (country roads) |
| Seat Leon MPG | N/A |
| Honda HR-V MPG | 47mpg |
| Audi A2 MPG | N/A |
| Mercedes-Benz E220d MPG | 58.9mpg |
| BMW 3 Series MPG | 57.6mpg |
| BMW 1 Series MPG | 61.4mpg |
| Peugeot 308 MPG | 59.6mpg |
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What You'll Learn

Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia is a great choice when it comes to fuel-efficient diesel cars. Skoda has long been known for offering a lot of value for the money, and the Octavia is perhaps the best example of this. It is larger than pricier alternatives like the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 1 Series, but still offers solid build quality and some of the most efficient engines around. While it may not be the most luxurious or fun-to-drive car, few cars can match its economical benefits.
The 114hp 2.0-litre diesel engine in the Octavia Hatch delivers an impressive 67.3 mpg, making it the most efficient diesel car currently on sale. This engine option provides an incredible range between refills, making it an excellent choice for those who regularly travel long distances.
User reviews of the Skoda Octavia's fuel consumption provide valuable insights. For the 2019 Skoda Octavia hatchback and wagon models, user-reported diesel consumption was, on average, 46-47% higher than the official consumption figures. This difference in real-world fuel economy is worth considering when evaluating the efficiency of the vehicle.
Additionally, real-world fuel economy data from Skoda Octavia owners further underscores the vehicle's efficiency. For example, a 2021 Skoda Octavia achieved 32.8 mpg, while a 2005 model attained 42.1 mpg. These numbers may vary based on driving conditions, with one owner reporting approximately 51 mpg on a long trip and around 42 mpg in urban and mixed driving conditions.
In summary, the Skoda Octavia, particularly the Octavia Hatch with the 2.0-litre diesel engine, stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient diesel cars available. Its impressive fuel economy, spacious interior, and solid build quality make it an attractive option for those seeking a practical and economical vehicle.
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Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra is a stylish and practical family hatchback with a wide variety of engines. While diesel was originally offered for the Astra, it was discontinued in 2023. However, you may still be able to find a nearly-new diesel Astra, which promises up to 65.7 mpg, making it a fuel-efficient option for high-mileage drivers. The diesel engine offers low CO2 figures and an easy 60 mpg in real-world driving, although it is not recommended for city driving.
The latest Astra offers impressive infotainment and strong fuel efficiency, with the petrol models offering around 50-52 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. The Astra has proven to be a fairly economical family car, with some tests showing an average of 49.3 mpg over 5,200 miles. The entry-level 1.2-litre petrol offering is also decently economical, with the potential to return over 50 mpg with gentle acceleration.
The Astra also comes in plug-in hybrid and all-electric models, adding to its fuel efficiency and ability. The plug-in hybrid models can offer 39-43 miles of pure-electric driving, and the electric model has a range of up to 259-260 miles, with quick recharging capabilities. The hybrid models are a good choice for company car drivers due to their low BiK rates.
Overall, the Vauxhall Astra is a strong contender in the family hatchback class, offering good fuel efficiency, particularly with its discontinued diesel engine and newer electrified models.
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Seat Leon
The Seat Leon is a great choice when it comes to fuel economy. While diesel engines may be falling out of fashion, they are the most economical way to run a Seat Leon if you don't opt for the plug-in hybrid version. The 1.5-litre 130hp diesel engine is easily capable of more than 50mpg in day-to-day driving. During testing, the engine ranged between 45.0-46.3mpg on a mix of motorway and country lanes. Low-speed town driving saw this drop to the high 30s. However, it didn't take long for the numbers to rise again. The Seat Leon also comes with a 50-litre fuel tank and stop-start technology to minimise fuel usage when stationary.
The Seat Leon has been praised by owners for its reliability. However, there have been some complaints about the infotainment system. The car has also been subject to a few recalls, with the most concerning related to seat belts not being anchored properly.
When compared to other diesel cars, the Seat Leon's fuel economy is impressive. For example, the BMW 1 Series offers a 114hp engine that achieves up to 61.4mpg in combined driving, while the more powerful 187hp engine delivers 57.6mpg. The Mercedes-Benz E220d saloon has a fuel economy figure of 58.9mpg, while the Peugeot 308 diesel has an official figure of 59.6mpg.
The most efficient diesel car currently on sale is the Skoda Octavia. The 114hp 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers an incredible 67.3mpg. While the Skoda Octavia may be the most fuel-efficient, the Seat Leon is still a great choice, offering a balance of fuel economy, performance, and features.
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Honda HR-V
If you're looking for a diesel car with great fuel efficiency, there are several options available. The most efficient diesel car currently on the market is the Skoda Octavia, which delivers 67.3 mpg. Other efficient options include the Mercedes-Benz E220d saloon (58.9 mpg), the BMW 3 Series (up to 57.6 mpg), and the Peugeot 308 (59.6 mpg).
One option to consider is the Honda HR-V. The 1.6 diesel variant is quite fuel-efficient, with consumption figures of 3.9 - 4 l/100 km, which translates to 60.31 - 58.8 mpg. This model has received positive reviews from owners, who describe it as practical, well-built, safe, and durable. It offers a good amount of boot space, with 657 - 688 l that can be increased to 1631 - 1665 l by folding down the rear seats. While the diesel variant is efficient, it's worth noting that the 1.6 petrol version is less efficient, with a fuel economy of 8.4 - 8.6 l/100 km (28 - 27.35 mpg).
According to fuel economy data from real-world Honda HR-V owners, the miles per gallon (mpg) can vary. For example, a 2017 Honda HR-V owner reported 28.9 mpg, while another 2017 model owner reported 28.3 mpg. A 2016 model achieved 22.1 mpg, and another 2017 model reported 27.2 mpg. These figures can depend on various factors, such as driving conditions and individual driving habits.
When compared to other diesel cars, the Honda HR-V 1.6 diesel variant offers competitive fuel efficiency. It's important to consider your specific needs, budget, and other factors when choosing a vehicle. Additionally, fuel efficiency standards and technologies are constantly evolving, so staying informed about the latest options is beneficial.
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Audi A2
The Audi A2 is a small family hatchback that was launched in 2000 and discontinued in 2005. Its unusual shape won chief designer Peter Schreyer a prize, but it was not particularly well-received by customers. The A2 is a cheap car to own, thanks to its good fuel economy and low emissions. Its CO2 emissions are low for a car in its class, with an average of 130g/km across the model lineup. The 1.4 TDI is the cleanest model, with the 73hp version emitting 116g/km of CO2 and the 88hp version emitting 119g/km of CO2. Both of these models average 66mpg. The Audi A2 1.2 TDI 3L, equipped with a three-cylinder pump-nozzle diesel engine, achieved a standard consumption of 3l/100 km, which is an impressive figure for a conventionally powered car. The A2's fuel consumption varies depending on the type of engine, transmission, and model. While the A2 is fuel-efficient, it is not as efficient as some other diesel cars on the market, such as the Skoda Octavia, which delivers 67.3mpg, or the BMW 1 Series, which offers up to 61.4mpg.
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