Rajan Wilcox
With fuel and energy prices at an all-time high, it is important to consider the fuel economy of your car. The most suitable option for you will depend on how and where you intend to drive it. For instance, if you take short journeys and can charge your car at home, a plug-in hybrid may be the best option. If you are looking for a small car with good fuel economy, the Suzuki Swift or the Volkswagen Up could be a good choice. For a small car with a few luxuries and some off-road ability, the Suzuki Celerio is a good option, with a realistic average of 72.1mpg. If you are looking for a cheap-to-run car, the Hyundai i10 is one of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK. For a car that is both refined and spacious, the Renault Clio achieves over 67mpg. Finally, if you are looking for the car with the best fuel economy, the Toyota Yaris Cross is the most efficient car ever tested by What Car?, averaging more than 60mpg and managing 103.3mpg in the urban part of the test.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best MPG cars in the UK | Suzuki Celerio, Peugeot 208, Honda Civic, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i10, Renault Clio, Suzuki Swift, Seat Leon, Suzuki Celerio, Toyota GT86, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Up, Toyota Yaris Cross |
| Best MPG cars in the UK (electric) | Mercedes GLE 350de, BMW X5 xDrive45e, Kia Niro |
| Best MPG cars in the UK (plug-in hybrid) | BMW X5 xDrive45e, Kia Niro, Peugeot 208 |
| Best MPG cars in the UK (self-charging hybrid) | Kia Niro, MG3 |
| Best MPG cars in the UK (petrol-hybrid) | Toyota Yaris, Toyota Prius |
| Best MPG cars in the UK (petrol) | Suzuki Celerio, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Up, Toyota Yaris Cross |
| Best MPG cars in the UK (diesel) | Peugeot 208, Seat Leon, Vauxhall Astra |
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars
There are a few different types of electric cars to consider. Plug-in hybrids are a good option if you generally take short journeys and can charge your car at home. Self-charging hybrids are also well-suited to town driving. Pure-EVs are another option, and there are now many models available that can get you more than 300 miles on a full charge.
When choosing an electric car, it's important to consider factors such as driving range, price, and charging options. Official MPG figures for electric cars are determined through WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) testing, which measures the electric driving range of EVs.
Some electric cars known for their good fuel economy include the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Hyundai IONIQ 6, and the Renault Clio E-TECH hybrid, which delivers an impressive 68.9 mpg range. The Toyota Prius, a hybrid vehicle, achieves an even higher mpg of 94.1. For high-mileage motorway drivers, diesel-electric hybrids may be a good option, as they can provide good fuel economy for long-distance driving.
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Plug-in hybrids
If you're looking for a car with excellent fuel economy and the flexibility to run on electric power alone for short distances, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) could be ideal. Here are some of the best plug-in hybrids available in the UK known for their fuel efficiency:
Toyota Prius Plug-in
The Toyota Prius has long been synonymous with hybrid technology, and the plug-in version takes this a step further. With a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, it offers an impressive 235.4 mpg and You may want to see also If you're looking for a self-charging hybrid, there are several options available in the UK that offer good fuel economy. Self-charging hybrids are a great middle ground in hybrid technology, offering greater electrical assistance and fuel economy gains than mild hybrids, without the need for plugging in and charging like plug-in hybrids. Here are some of the best self-charging hybrids available in the UK: Toyota Corolla The Toyota Corolla has been a familiar sight on UK roads and is an impressive hybrid choice. It combines efficiency, attractive styling, and solid build quality. Toyota claims that the Corolla can reach up to 64.1 mpg for combined WLTP fuel economy, making it an excellent choice for those looking to cut back on running costs. The Corolla also offers low CO2 emissions and received a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019. Lexus NX The Lexus NX is a premium SUV that offers a self-charging hybrid option. While the plug-in hybrid variant is preferred for its punchy drivetrain and low emissions, the self-charging hybrid model is still a good choice. It offers a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and a spacious 521-litre boot. In terms of fuel economy, the NX provides up to 49.5 mpg, and you can choose between four-wheel and two-wheel-drive models. Ford Kuga The Ford Kuga is a popular family SUV that offers a 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid powertrain. It is known for its excellent handling and can rival diesel SUVs for fuel economy. The Kuga has a powerful 190hp engine, so it's no slouch on the road. Hyundai Tucson The Hyundai Tucson offers a self-charging hybrid powertrain that is smooth and easy to drive. While it may not be the most efficient hybrid system on the market, it still provides good fuel economy. The Tucson is loaded with intuitive technology, including a well-liked infotainment system. Honda Civic The Honda Civic was named Car of the Year in 2023 and is an excellent choice for those seeking a self-charging hybrid. It blends performance and fuel efficiency admirably, with fuel economy comfortably reaching the mid-50s. The Civic has a bright and clear touchscreen infotainment system and offers a spacious cabin and boot. Mazda 2 Hybrid The Mazda 2 Hybrid is based on the reliable Toyota Yaris but with added flair from Mazda engineering and styling. It offers impressive fuel economy, with up to 74.3 mpg, and has a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The instant torque from the electric motor makes the Mazda 2 peppy and fun to drive. You may want to see also The Suzuki Swift, for instance, is a stylish small hatchback that delivers a smooth and quiet ride with its 1.2-litre engine and mild hybrid SHVS system. It achieves an impressive fuel economy of around 65mpg, making it a fuel-efficient choice. However, it's important to note that insurance costs for the Suzuki Swift may be higher due to its three out of five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The Toyota Yaris is another standout option for those seeking exceptional fuel economy. Its compact size and clever standard-fit hybrid system enable it to return up to 70mpg, with even higher efficiency during town driving. The Yaris has been continuously refined since the original Prius launched in 2000, making it an excellent choice for city dwellers who are not yet ready to transition to a fully electric vehicle. For those seeking a more unique option, the previous-generation Seat Leon offers impressive real-world fuel economy, tidy handling, and a long list of standard equipment at a reasonable price. The trade-off is a firm ride, but if that's not a deal-breaker, the Leon is a fantastic used buy. Additionally, the Dacia Logan, with its economical 1.5-litre diesel engine, is a good choice for those who regularly carry heavy loads or passengers. While it may lack refinement, especially during startup, it's a fuel-efficient option for high-mileage drivers. Lastly, the Renault Clio, a hybrid supermini, offers impressive fuel economy of over 67mpg. Although the entry-level petrol model is more affordable upfront, it's less fuel-efficient and can only return up to 54mpg. The Clio also stands out for its affordable servicing through the brand's 'Easylife' plans, making it a cost-effective choice overall. You may want to see also For those who regularly carry heavy loads or passengers, the 1.5-litre diesel engine in the Dacia Logan is a good choice. While it is not particularly refined, especially when starting up, it is a good option for those who cover a lot of miles. The Mercedes GLE 350de is a large SUV that uses a diesel engine and is said to be fairly economical when the battery runs out. It is worth noting that diesel engines can sometimes offer greater fuel economy in the long run. However, it is important to ensure that they comply with the latest emissions standards, such as the Euro 6 standard, to avoid additional charges in certain areas. You may want to see also The Toyota Yaris has been hailed as the most fuel-efficient car in the UK, with a small 1.5-litre engine that can return up to 70mpg. The Toyota Yaris Cross, a chunkier version of the Yaris, is also highly efficient, averaging more than 60mpg and achieving 103.3mpg in urban areas. The Suzuki Celerio is another top choice, averaging 72.1mpg, followed by the Peugeot 208, which achieves over 67mpg. The previous generation Honda Civic and the Renault Clio are also efficient, both offering around 65mpg. The Dacia Logan, with its 1.5-litre diesel engine, is a good option for those carrying heavy loads or travelling long distances. The Toyota Yaris Cross, a small SUV, is a great choice, offering excellent fuel economy. The Mercedes GLE 350de is another SUV option, using a diesel engine and a 31kWh battery to provide a balance between performance and efficiency. The Hyundai i10 is a great choice for city dwellers, as it is one of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK. The Up by Volkswagen is also a solid option for city streets due to its smart interior and fun handling, although it may not be suitable for motorway driving. Hybrid cars offer good fuel economy for mixed driving, as they regenerate battery power at low speeds. 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