Sylvie Willis
With electric and hybrid cars on the rise, diesel cars are not as popular as they once were. However, diesel cars are still a great pick for those who want to save on fuel, especially if you regularly travel long distances. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient diesel car, there are several options to consider. The Skoda Octavia, for example, is known for offering a lot of car for your money and boasts some of the most efficient engines around. The 2011 Kia Rio is another impressive option, with a fuel efficiency rating of 73.3 mpg. For those looking for a premium brand, the Audi A4 is a comfortable and efficient choice, with a 161hp 2.0-litre diesel engine that delivers strong acceleration and impressive fuel economy figures. Other notable mentions include the Honda Civic sedan, which offers a combined fuel efficiency rating of 35 mpg, and the 2015-2021 Vauxhall Astra, which achieves more than 56 mpg in real-world conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most Fuel-Efficient Diesel Car | Skoda Octavia |
| Engine | 2.0-litre diesel |
| Fuel Economy | 67.3mpg (official figure) |
| 57.9mpg (in laboratory conditions) | |
| 72.6mpg (on rural roads) | |
| Horsepower | 114hp |
| 115bhp | |
| Other Fuel-Efficient Diesel Cars | Honda Civic, BMW 328d, Ford Fiesta, Audi A4, BMW 1 Series, Peugeot 308, Volkswagen T-Roc, Mercedes-Benz E220d, Vauxhall Astra, Seat Leon, Renault Kadjar, BMW 4 Series |
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The Skoda Octavia
Skoda has long been known for offering a lot of car 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. It’s not particularly luxurious or fun to drive, but few cars are as economical. The 114hp 2.0-litre diesel in the Octavia Hatch delivers an incredible 67.3mpg, making it the most efficient diesel car currently on sale.
The Octavia has been in production since 1996 and is now in its fourth generation. The real fuel consumption of the Octavia is reportedly higher than the official consumption, with diesel engines showing an average increase of 20%. For Octavia models produced up to 2009, the difference in real fuel consumption is around 6%, while for those produced after 2009, it jumps to 25%. For example, the 2013 Octavia hatchback showed an average real diesel consumption difference of 38%, while the 2019 Octavia wagon showed a difference of 47%.
User reviews indicate that the Octavia can achieve impressive fuel economy, with one owner of a 2013 Octavia hatchback reporting an average fuel economy of 51 mpg on a long trip, and 42 mpg in urban and mixed driving. Another owner of a 2021 Octavia reported their last tank achieving 42.1 mpg. With over 39.2 million miles of real-world fuel economy data, the Octavia is a proven choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient diesel car.
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The Audi A2
Today, buyers in certain European territories can still find equally frugal diesel VW Group cars, such as the Skoda Octavia, which offers solid build quality and efficient engines at a more affordable price point than the Audi A2. However, the Audi A2 remains a sought-after model for its fuel efficiency, innovative features, and performance, with used models still commanding relatively high prices.
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The Honda Civic
The 2016 Honda Civic 1.6 iDtec has been known to achieve 80 mpg, with some drivers reporting figures in the high 70s and even as high as 88.8 mpg. The 2016 Honda Civic 1.6 icDti (European model) averages over 70 mpg on a 40-mile commute when driving at an average speed of 60-70 mph. The 2012 1.8L manual hatchback model averages between 17 to 25 mpg in stop-start city driving, and 40 to 55 mpg on the motorway.
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The BMW 1 Series
To maximise fuel efficiency, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, plan your route to include more motorway driving, as the 1 Series is more fuel-efficient on motorways than in city traffic. Secondly, reduce the weight of your vehicle by removing any unnecessary items. Thirdly, drive efficiently by braking smoothly, sticking to speed limits, and avoiding rapid acceleration. Finally, limit the use of gadgets such as air conditioning and heated seats, as these can consume fuel quickly.
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The Vauxhall Astra
The Astra's fuel efficiency is a notable selling point, with the petrol models offering around 50-52 miles per gallon (mpg) on the WLTP combined cycle, according to Vauxhall. Real-world data from Vauxhall Astra owners further supports the Astra's fuel efficiency, with some reporting fuel economy figures of over 30 mpg. During long-term testing by Auto Express, the Astra 1.2 Turbo petrol achieved an average of 49.3 mpg over 5,200 miles.
The Astra's fuel efficiency is not limited to its petrol variants. The introduction of plug-in hybrid and all-electric models has further enhanced its efficiency credentials. The plug-in hybrid Astras offer 39 miles of pure-electric driving, while the Astra Electric boasts a range of up to 260 miles. Additionally, the 48V hybrid technology improves fuel economy and reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to pure-petrol versions.
While the Astra has experienced some challenges, such as heavy depreciation with previous generations, the latest iteration appears to have addressed this issue. The new Astra is expected to perform better in terms of value retention, making it a more attractive option for buyers. Furthermore, Vauxhall's competitive PCP finance prices and regular incentives make the Astra an even more appealing choice for those in the market for a fuel-efficient family hatchback.
In summary, the Vauxhall Astra, with its range of efficient engine options, stylish design, and impressive technology, offers a well-rounded package for those seeking a practical and economical family car. The availability of hybrid and all-electric models further solidifies the Astra's position as a strong contender in the family hatchback segment.
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Frequently asked questions
The Skoda Octavia is the most fuel-efficient diesel car, delivering 67.3mpg.
Other diesel cars with high fuel efficiency include the 2011 Kia Rio (73.3 mpg), the 2016 Honda Civic sedan (42 mpg on the highway), the 2016 BMW 328d sedan (40 mpg on the highway), the 2016 Ford Fiesta (42 mpg on the highway), the 2015-2021 Vauxhall Astra (56 mpg), the 2013-2020 BMW 4 Series (29 mpg), and the Audi A2 (54.7 mpg).
Yes, the Renault Kadjar is a family-sized SUV that returns more than 55 mpg, making it a very fuel-efficient option in its class. Another efficient diesel SUV is the Volkswagen T-Roc, which offers 58.9 mpg.
Yes, the Audi A4 is a comfortable and luxurious option with good fuel efficiency. The BMW 3 Series also offers diesel engines with up to 57.6 mpg.
Yes, the 200hp C220d and 265hp C300d from Mercedes-Benz offer superb efficiency figures, with an additional 20 hp boost from an integrated electric motor. The BMW 1 Series also offers a 187hp diesel engine that delivers 57.6 mpg.
