Small Cars, Big Fuel Savings: Which Model Wins?

which small car has best fuel economy

Fuel economy is an important factor to consider when buying a car, as it impacts weekly operating costs. While official government fuel economy figures are often misleading, there are several small cars with impressive fuel efficiency. For example, the Toyota Yaris Cross, the Seat Leon, the Skoda Octavia, the Nissan Versa, the Toyota Corolla, the Hyundai Elantra, and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 all offer excellent fuel economy, with some models averaging more than 60 miles per gallon.

shunfuel

Toyota Yaris Cross

Fuel economy is an important factor when buying a new car, as it impacts your weekly operating costs. The Toyota Yaris Cross is a small car with impressive fuel efficiency. In fact, according to What Car?, it is the most economical car they have ever tested.

The Yaris Cross is a compact SUV, the second model to be based on Toyota's GA-B platform, which delivers a distinctive design and dynamic performance. It has raised ground clearance and intelligent all-wheel drive, and is designed to meet the requirements of the European B-SUV market. Its small SUV dimensions make it desirable for those who want a robust, high-riding SUV that is tailored to suit urban streets.

The Yaris Cross is the first model to use Toyota's 1.5 hybrid system, which features a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine. This system is designed to reduce friction and mechanical losses, optimising combustion speed, resulting in high torque at low engine speeds and excellent fuel efficiency. The engine's thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, which is greater than comparable diesel engines, and it ensures strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The Yaris Cross's AWD-i system also helps to achieve lower fuel consumption than its all-wheel-drive B-SUV competitors.

The Yaris Cross has impressive Real MPG test results, averaging more than 60mpg and managing 103.3mpg in the urban part of the test. This compact SUV offers a bigger battery than its hatchback sibling, allowing it to go further on electric power.

shunfuel

Nissan Versa

Fuel economy is an important factor when buying a new car, and small cars are often the most fuel-efficient. The Nissan Versa is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that achieves an impressive 32 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and up to 40 MPG on the highway. This means that on the highway, drivers can expect up to approximately 432 miles on a full tank, while city driving provides a range of around 345 miles. The 2025 model's lightweight construction and smart transmission options further enhance its ability to maximize miles per gallon.

The Nissan Versa's fuel economy makes it a practical choice for drivers who want to minimize visits to the pump and prioritize both value and functionality. Its exceptional MPG and 10.8-gallon fuel tank provide an impressive driving range, making it ideal for road trips, long commutes, and everyday errands. The Versa's fuel efficiency also makes it environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

While the Nissan Versa stands out for its fuel efficiency, other small cars also offer impressive fuel economy. The Toyota Yaris Cross, for example, is a small SUV that achieves over 60 mpg and even manages 103.3 mpg in urban areas. The Seat Leon is another economical option, offering tidy handling and a long list of standard equipment at a reasonable price.

When considering fuel economy, it's important to note that official government fuel economy figures can sometimes be misleading and may not reflect real-world driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, climate control settings, and electrical equipment usage can impact a car's fuel efficiency. Nevertheless, fuel-efficient cars like the Nissan Versa can provide a seamless and uninterrupted journey, minimizing the need to refuel.

Hybrid Cars: Best Fuel Economy Options

You may want to see also

shunfuel

Toyota Corolla

Fuel economy is an important factor when buying a new car, impacting your weekly operating costs. The Toyota Corolla is a sleek and versatile car, available in a range of models, all of which offer impressive fuel efficiency. Whether you choose the hatchback, sedan, or hybrid model, you can expect excellent gas mileage and savings at the pump.

The Toyota Corolla comes in three main body styles: sedan, hatchback, and hybrid. Each body style has different trim levels, which offer varying levels of fuel economy. The sedan model, for example, is available in the LE, SE, and XSE trims. The fuel economy ratings for these trims are as follows: 32/41/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) for the LE, 31/40/34 MPG for the SE, and 31/40/34 MPG for the XSE.

The hatchback model also has different trims, including the SE and XSE. The fuel economy ratings for these trims are: 32/41/35 MPG for the SE and 30/38/33 MPG for the XSE. The hatchback XSE trim, while the least fuel-efficient Corolla, still offers impressive mileage, saving you money at the pump.

The hybrid model of the Toyota Corolla combines a powerful battery and motor system with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model is the most fuel-efficient in the Corolla range, with an EPA-estimated 53/46/50 MPG (City/Highway/Combined). This exceptional fuel economy allows you to go further on electric power, reducing your fuel costs and your carbon footprint.

Overall, the Toyota Corolla, in all its trims and body styles, offers superb fuel economy, blending efficiency with style, power, and comfort. With the Corolla, you can enjoy a sleek and versatile vehicle that provides excellent gas mileage and savings, making it a smart choice for those conscious of their fuel costs.

shunfuel

Toyota Prius

Fuel economy is an important factor to consider when buying a new car, as it impacts weekly operating costs. The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle, meaning it combines a combustion engine with an electric motor to deliver impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota Prius, for example, boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 54 MPG in the city and 50 MPG on the highway for the LE trim. The LE AWD-e trim provides slightly lower fuel efficiency, with an estimated 51 MPG in the city and 47 MPG on the highway. The XLE and Limited trims offer the same fuel economy as the LE, while the Nightshade Edition and its AWD-e variant match the LE AWD-e trim's efficiency.

The 2022 Prius builds on the success of its predecessor, the 2021 model, which featured a 1.8L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The 2021 Prius L Eco trim achieved an impressive 58 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway. The Prius Eco trim further enhances efficiency, delivering a combined mpg rating of 56.

The Toyota Prius has consistently pushed the boundaries of green technology, offering exceptional fuel economy. Its stylish interior, state-of-the-art technology, and excellent performance complement its impressive fuel capacity. With its hybrid powertrain and EV/ECO/POWER modes, the Prius sets a new standard, achieving up to 58 mpg in city driving and a combined EPA mileage rating of 52 mpg on most trims.

shunfuel

Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia is a great choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient small car. With a starting price of just under £27,000, it offers strong value for money. While the Skoda badge may not hold the same appeal as some of its competitors, the Octavia provides a larger car for a lower price.

The Octavia's 150hp 2.0-litre TDI unit delivers impressive fuel economy, especially on long motorway runs. In real-world use, the Octavia has averaged over 40mpg in the pre-facelift 150hp 1.5-litre petrol DSG automatic and over 60mpg in the 2.0-litre TDI diesel with a manual gearbox. The 150hp diesel with DSG transmission strikes a perfect balance between performance and fuel economy, achieving an average of 59.8mpg on a mix of A-road, B-road, and motorway driving.

The Octavia's diesel engine demonstrates its efficiency, outperforming even the most efficient petrol and electrically-assisted PHEV models in terms of mpg. It easily surpasses 60mpg on motorway journeys, enabling a range of over 500 miles despite its modest 45-litre fuel tank. The petrol models are also impressive, delivering fuel economy of 50-plus mpg on similar journeys.

The Octavia's strong fuel economy extends beyond its diesel and petrol variants. The upcoming plug-in hybrid Octavia iV, which shares a powertrain with the VW Golf eHybrid, promises even greater efficiency. The 201bhp version achieves an astonishing 288.1mpg on the official test cycle, while the 242bhp variant in vRS-spec can reach up to 233.4mpg. When fully charged, it offers an all-electric range of up to 28 miles.

In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Skoda Octavia excels as a practical family car. It boasts a spacious interior, a huge boot, and numerous clever features. It also offers a comfortable ride and high safety standards, earning a top Euro NCAP score for its comprehensive safety assistance technology. With its low running costs, well-regarded dealers, and high customer satisfaction ratings, the Octavia provides a hassle-free ownership experience.

Frequently asked questions

The Toyota Yaris Cross has been named the most efficient car in terms of fuel economy, averaging more than 60 mpg and managing 103.3 mpg in urban areas.

The Nissan Rogue is the most fuel-efficient gas-only compact SUV, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined in front-drive form.

The Skoda Octavia has a 150hp 2.0-litre TDI unit with a lot of torque, which means you can stay in top gear on the motorway without having to change down.

The Volkswagen Up is a good choice for city driving, with a 1.0-litre petrol engine that provides plenty of power for city streets.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a practical choice for larger families, with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, providing a total of 138 hp.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment