
With rising fuel prices in South Africa, it is important to consider fuel efficiency when buying a car. While electric, plug-in, and hybrid vehicles have a minimal market in South Africa, there are still a variety of fuel-efficient options available. From budget-friendly city cars to family-friendly SUVs, here is a list of some of the most fuel-efficient cars in South Africa.
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What You'll Learn

Suzuki Celerio/Swift: 4.9 L/100km
With fuel prices in South Africa impacting household budgets, it is important to consider fuel efficiency when buying a car. One of the most fuel-efficient cars in South Africa is the Suzuki Celerio/Swift, which consumes 4.9 L/100km. This lightweight and compact car is a popular choice in the budget car segment, offering a more economical option than its predecessor.
The Suzuki Celerio/Swift is an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective and fuel-efficient vehicle. With its 1.2-litre petrol engine, it delivers high output and exceptional fuel economy. The manual transmission variant is one of the cheapest brand-new vehicles in the country, starting at R194,900.
The Celerio/Swift's fuel efficiency is notable, as it achieves an average of 4.9 litres of fuel for every 100 kilometres travelled. This equates to approximately 54 miles per gallon, which is impressive for a petrol-powered vehicle. This efficiency can help drivers save money on fuel costs and reduce their environmental impact.
Additionally, the Celerio/Swift offers a range of features and technology, making it a super fuel-efficient city car. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating urban environments, and its high output ensures a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.
For those in the market for a new car, the Suzuki Celerio/Swift is a smart choice. Its fuel efficiency, coupled with its affordable price and performance, makes it a top option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and economical vehicle in South Africa.
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Toyota Corolla Cross: 4.3 L/100km
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a highly fuel-efficient car, with a fuel consumption rate of 4.3 L/100km. This impressive fuel economy is achieved through a combination of innovative features and thoughtful design.
The Corolla Cross's hybrid engine is a key factor in its efficiency. The 2020 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Premium and Hybrid Premium Safety models are known for their exceptional fuel economy, delivering 4.3 L/100km. This hybrid system allows the car to run on electric power, resulting in a silent and environmentally friendly driving experience.
Additionally, the Corolla Cross's design prioritises comfort over cornering performance. The TNGA-C platform provides a stable and obedient ride, absorbing jolts and bumps effectively. The regenerative brakes and Auto Hold function further enhance the driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
The 2024 update to the Corolla Cross introduced improvements such as ditching the foot-actuated parking brake for an electronic one and adding an infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 2024 model also features selectable Drive Modes and an EV Mode, providing drivers with even greater control over their vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.
The Corolla Cross's fuel efficiency is not only limited to specific models or conditions. In a real-world fuel-economy test, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 G CVT, a gasoline-powered model, delivered a fuel efficiency of 8.98km/L or 10.5L/100km. This test involved driving the car in various conditions with different loads, showcasing the car's ability to maintain good fuel economy even outside of controlled environments.
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Honda: 3.71 L/100km
With fuel prices in South Africa impacting household budgets, it's no surprise that fuel efficiency is a key consideration for new car buyers.
The Honda Accord Hybrid is a popular sedan with a large 2-litre engine. Despite its size, it is fuel-efficient, consuming 3.71 litres per 100 kilometres. This works out at 76 mpg. With a starting price of R544,900, it is a sustainable, long-term investment. Hondas are known for their dependability and durability, often lasting over 200,000 kilometres.
The Honda is a good choice for those seeking a reliable car that won't break the bank in the long run. However, it is worth noting that there are other fuel-efficient cars on the South African market that are cheaper to buy. For example, the Suzuki Celerio is a super fuel-efficient city car with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, offering exceptional fuel consumption at an average of 4.9 litres/100km. The manual transmission variant is one of the cheapest brand-new vehicles in the country, starting at R194,900.
Another budget-friendly option is the Renault Kwid, a popular city car with a 1-litre engine and a fuel efficiency of 4.9 litres/100km. It starts at R196,999.
For those looking for a more powerful car, the Ford Ecosport 1.5 L Trend MT is a 5-seater SUV with a 1.5-litre engine that produces 121 horsepower. It is the most fuel-efficient SUV in South Africa, consuming 4.4 litres/100km.
With fuel prices fluctuating and impacting monthly budgets, it's important for South Africans to consider fuel efficiency when purchasing a new car. A smart telematics solution, like Cartrack, can help monitor driver behaviour and manage fuel consumption.
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Volkswagen Polo 6: 3.2 L/100km
With fuel prices in South Africa impacting household budgets, it's important to consider fuel efficiency when buying a new car. One of the most common fuel-saving cars in South Africa is the Volkswagen Polo 6. This popular car comes with a 1-litre petrol engine that produces 175 Nm of torque and 70 kW of power. Despite its small engine size, the Polo 6 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in about ten seconds.
The Polo 6's fuel efficiency is impressive, consuming an average of 3.2 litres for every 100 km, which equates to about 64 miles per gallon. This means that the Polo 6 can travel about 550 miles on a single tank. Its fuel efficiency is further demonstrated by Ted Welford's month-long test, where he averaged 53.3 mpg over 1,750 miles, with numbers well over 60 mpg on steadier motorway runs.
The Polo 6's fuel consumption is also reflected in its "real fuel consumption", which is the amount of fuel consumed in litres per 100 km travelled. This figure is calculated using the formula: (Litres of fuel used x 100) / Kilometres travelled = L/km. While real-world consumption figures will differ depending on driving style, road conditions, and other factors, the Polo 6's efficient fuel economy is notable.
In comparison to other fuel-efficient cars in South Africa, the Polo 6 stands out. For example, the Suzuki Celerio/Swift has a fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km, while the Kia Picanto has a consumption of 4.4 L/100 km. The Renault Kwid, another popular budget car, has a fuel efficiency of 4.9 L/100 km for both manual and automatic derivatives. These alternatives offer good fuel efficiency, but the Polo 6 surpasses them in terms of performance and efficiency.
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Renault Kwid: 4.9 L/100km
With a fuel consumption rate of 4.9 L/100km, the Renault Kwid is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in South Africa. It is a popular budget car, known for its affordability, style, and performance. The Kwid is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 50 kW of power and 91 Nm of torque, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience.
The Kwid's compact size and impressive ground clearance make it highly manoeuvrable in urban environments and tight spaces. With a spacious interior, it comfortably accommodates five adults and features adjustable front seats and ample boot space. The Kwid also comes equipped with modern technology, including a 8" infotainment touchscreen, power windows, and safety features such as ABS and dual airbags.
The Renault Kwid is available in both manual and automatic transmissions, with a 5-speed manual or automated manual transmission (AMT) option. The AMT version features Easy-R Technology, providing a seamless driving experience with its centre console-mounted dial. The Kwid's engine is designed with Smart Control efficiency, contributing to its impressive fuel economy.
The stylish design of the Kwid is enhanced by its signature Renault headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, and chrome accents. The distinctive grille showcases the renowned Renault diamond logo, adding to the overall visual appeal of the vehicle. The Kwid is an excellent choice for young drivers or those seeking their first car, offering a cost-effective, fun, and feature-rich driving experience.
Overall, the Renault Kwid, with its fuel efficiency of 4.9 L/100km, combines performance, style, and affordability, making it a top choice for budget-conscious and environmentally-conscious car owners in South Africa.
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Frequently asked questions
The car with the best fuel consumption in South Africa depends on the type of car you are looking for. Here are some of the most fuel-efficient cars in South Africa:
- Suzuki Celerio/Swift: This car has a 1.2-litre petrol engine and offers an average fuel consumption of 4.9 litres/100 km.
- Renault Kwid: This is a popular budget car in South Africa with a 1.0-litre engine and a fuel efficiency of 4.9 litres/100 km.
- Volkswagen Polo 6: This popular car has a 1-litre petrol engine and consumes an average of 3.2 litres/100 km.
- Toyota Corolla Cross: This car has an automatic transmission and a 1.8L petrol hybrid engine with a fuel efficiency of 4.3 litres/100 kilometres.
Some other budget-friendly cars with good fuel efficiency in South Africa include:
- Suzuki S-Presso: This car has a 1.0-litre petrol engine and claims a fuel efficiency of 4.4 litres/100 km for the automatic derivatives and 4.6 litres/100 km for the manual derivatives.
- Kia Picanto: This city car has a 1-litre engine and consumes about 4.4 litres/100 km.
Yes, some larger cars with relatively good fuel efficiency in South Africa include:
- Honda Accord: This sedan has a large 2-litre engine but still consumes about 3.4 litres/100 kilometres.
- BMW X3 sDrive18d: This SUV offers a claimed fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100 km.











































