Katerina Swanson
With fuel prices and environmental concerns at the forefront of many consumers' minds, finding the most economical vehicle is a priority for many. While diesel cars tend to be the most fuel-efficient, petrol-electric hybrid cars are becoming an increasingly popular option, with many major car manufacturers offering hybrid versions of their most popular models. When it comes to small cars, some of the most fuel-efficient options include the Kia Picanto, the Suzuki Swift, the Toyota Yaris, the Honda Jazz, the Peugeot 208, and the Renault Clio.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most fuel-efficient small car in the UK | Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid SE |
| Fuel economy | 256.8mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 26g/km |
| Range on electric power alone | 25 to 30 miles |
| Motorway fuel economy | 70mpg |
| Price | £30,000 |
| Engine | 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor |
| Boot size | Larger than the Toyota Prius |
| Other fuel-efficient small cars | Toyota Yaris Supermini, Honda Jazz, Peugeot 208, Kia Picanto, Suzuki Swift, Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Aygo X, Mazda 2, Kia Niro, Kia Optima |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel efficiency of petrol vs diesel cars
When it comes to choosing a new car, opting for a model that is fuel-efficient is a great way to save money on fuel and benefit the environment. The most fuel-efficient cars are fully hybrid, achieving almost 7mpg more than the average diesel vehicle. However, diesel cars are generally more fuel-efficient than petrol cars.
While diesel cars tend to be more expensive than petrol cars, they are more cost-effective in the long run due to their superior fuel efficiency. For example, the diesel Mercedes E 220 d achieves 58.9mpg, while the petrol Mercedes E 200 AMG Line only manages 44.2mpg. Diesel cars are also well-suited for high-mileage drivers and longer journeys.
On the other hand, petrol cars tend to be cheaper, quieter, and more widely available. They are a good choice for those who drive predominantly in urban areas and don't often exceed 50mph. Additionally, most British buyers prefer petrol and hybrid cars, which has led to a decrease in the availability of diesel options, especially in smaller cars.
To improve the fuel efficiency of your car, regardless of whether it is petrol or diesel, you can employ a few simple strategies. Firstly, reduce the weight of your vehicle by removing unnecessary items from the boot and avoiding filling your tank to the brim. Secondly, minimise your use of air conditioning, as it can increase fuel consumption significantly. Thirdly, practice smooth and steady acceleration, braking, and gear changes, as aggressive driving can waste fuel. Finally, consider taking advantage of loyalty schemes and shopping around for the best fuel prices to save money on fuel.
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Hybrid cars
There are three main types of hybrids available in the market. The first is the "full" or "self-charging" hybrid, which is the most common type and usually comes to mind when people think of hybrid cars. These hybrids have a medium-sized battery that is charged through regenerative braking and by the petrol engine acting as a generator. The second type is the "mild" hybrid, which has a smaller battery and a less powerful electric motor that mainly supports the electrics of the car, allowing the engine to shut off while the car is in motion, thus saving fuel. The third type is the "plug-in" hybrid, which offers impressive fuel economy but tends to be larger and more expensive.
When it comes to specific car models, there are several fuel-efficient hybrid options available in the UK market. The Toyota Yaris, for instance, combines a small body, low weight, and an efficient 1.5-litre hybrid engine, resulting in an impressive fuel economy of up to 80 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving, according to Toyota. Another popular option is the Honda Jazz, which offers a versatile interior and a fuel economy of up to 63 mpg. The Kia Niro, available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, is also worth considering for its spaciousness and refined design.
Other notable mentions include the Lexus LBX, which offers a generous equipment list and excellent fuel economy, and the Toyota Corolla, with a 1.8-litre hybrid engine capable of achieving 62.7 mpg. The Honda Civic, a 2023 award winner, combines practicality, economy, and a decent driving experience. The Hyundai Kona, known for its spaciousness and quiet ride, delivers an impressive 60 mpg. Lastly, the Suzuki Swift, a mild hybrid, stands out for its lightweight design, excellent engineering, and fun driving experience, all at a low price.
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Plug-in hybrids
One of the most popular PHEVs is the Toyota Prius, which offers a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version. The plug-in hybrid provides better fuel efficiency, with an official economy of 235.4 mpg, but it requires regular charging to achieve this. The self-charging Prius is cheaper on the used car market and returns close to 70 mpg. The Hyundai IONIQ is another excellent option, with its 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor allowing up to 39 miles on a single charge. It also offers good value for money, with lower fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.
The BMW 3 Series is a well-known plug-in hybrid that can run on pure electric power for around 30 miles and has impressive tech features. The BMW 530e is another excellent choice, offering a seamless combination of plug-in hybrid power with the driving experience of a 5 Series. The Mercedes C 300 e is a plug-in hybrid version of the C-Class, capable of driving up to 67 miles on battery power alone. For those seeking a more affordable option, the Skoda offers a PHEV with an EV range of 70+ miles and a vast 910-litre boot.
If you're looking for an SUV, the NX Plug-In Hybrid by Lexus offers 37 miles of all-electric driving range and zippy acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 6 seconds. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is another SUV option, providing a spacious cabin and 37 miles of all-electric range. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid by Kia is also worth considering, with a range of 32 miles on electric power and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
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Electric cars
Another option is the Citroen e-C3, which is built on the Stellantis 'cost-efficient' Smart Car platform. The e-C3 offers impressive comfort, a usable real-world range, and a low price tag, making it a great choice for those on a budget. The Fiat 500e is another retro-style small electric car that is not only adorable inside and out but also offers a range of 118 miles, making it perfect for short journeys.
For those seeking a more premium option, the Peugeot e-208 is a stylish and practical choice, loaded with tech and offering a range of up to 224 miles. The Vauxhall Corsa-e is another subtle and sensible option from a well-known brand, offering a range of 246 miles with its updated battery. Finally, the Dacia Spring is an excellent choice for those new to electric cars, offering simplicity, affordability, and fun in a compact package.
Other honourable mentions include the Cupra Born, a light and powerful small electric car with a range of up to 264 miles, and the Hyundai Inster, which offers SUV style in a small electric car package. With so many options available, it's clear that the UK market for small, fuel-efficient electric cars is growing and providing consumers with a variety of choices to fit their needs and preferences.
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Tips to improve fuel efficiency
Fuel prices in the UK have been soaring, and with the cost of living in mind, many motorists are looking for ways to cut their vehicle running costs. Here are some tips to improve fuel efficiency:
Maintain the correct tyre pressure
Tyres that are underinflated have a higher rolling resistance on the road, which increases fuel consumption. If your tyre pressure is too low, it can also impact your car's steering, cause greater tyre wear, and increase the chances of tyre blowouts. Check your tyres every few weeks to maintain the recommended pressure.
Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle
The lighter the vehicle, the less fuel it requires. If your boot or passenger seats are full of items, consider removing anything unnecessary to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Avoid harsh acceleration and braking
Your vehicle uses the most fuel when accelerating. By limiting the rate at which you gain speed, you can increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Additionally, harsh braking means you will need to accelerate again, using more fuel. Try to anticipate traffic flow and slow down gradually instead of coming to a complete stop.
Use cruise control
Using cruise control can help maintain a smooth and economical speed, especially on multi-lane highways and roads. This feature helps keep a constant speed and reduces the need for harsh acceleration or braking.
Choose the appropriate gear
Driving in a higher gear will typically improve fuel efficiency. For both manual and automatic vehicles, aim to maintain a lower engine speed (RPM) to reduce fuel consumption. Shift up to the next gear when possible, and avoid excessive engine revving or straining by choosing a gear that is too low.
Some of the most fuel-efficient small cars in the UK include the Peugeot 208, Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, and Suzuki Swift. These vehicles offer impressive fuel economy, with the Peugeot 208 diesel version providing up to 73.6 mpg.
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Frequently asked questions
The most fuel-efficient small car in the UK is the diesel Peugeot 208, which returns up to 73.6mpg.
Other small cars with good fuel efficiency include the Kia Picanto (54.3mpg), the Renault Clio (54.3mpg), the Volkswagen Polo (54.3mpg), the Toyota Aygo X (58.9mpg), the Mazda 2 (58.9mpg), the Suzuki Swift, the Honda Jazz, the Fiat 500, the Ford Fiesta, and the Hyundai Ioniq.
To improve fuel efficiency, you can reduce weight by removing unnecessary items from your vehicle, use eco mode (if available), and ensure regular maintenance by keeping your tyres inflated and your car serviced. You can also improve fuel efficiency by adjusting your driving style, for example, by turning off air-conditioning, avoiding sudden acceleration and braking, and maintaining steady speeds.
Petrol-electric hybrid cars tend to be the most fuel-efficient, especially for longer journeys. However, diesel cars are also known for their high fuel efficiency and are often chosen by frequent long-distance drivers.
