Fuel efficiency is one of the best features of a car and a popular one that the majority of people are looking for when investing in a new vehicle. It couldn’t be any other way with the price of the fuel constantly increasing for petrol and diesel. Investing in an economical car will keep your wallet happy and will also ensure lower CO2 emissions, which additionally means lower tax too. The benefits of owning a fuel-efficient car are many and today we will have a look at the 10 most popular vehicle representatives of this category.
Citroen C4 Cactus PureTech 82
Citroen C4 Cactus is one of the best basic models of the brand. In fact, of few compromises are made in the shape of a couple of “luxuries” lacking in the name of a better efficiency and lower fuel consumption but you shouldn’t be bothered by all this if an economical and wallet-friendly vehicle is your goal. Thanks to the few simple changes in the model’s design, this spacious and comfortable SUV weights 200 kg less than the standard C4 models by Citroen, which pretty much means less fuel consumption and less CO2 emissions. The most efficient model in the range is the 81-bhp PureTech 82 option that comes with a promise to return 65.7 mpg and guarantees a pretty much free road tax thanks to the very low CO2 emissions. If such a car is not your cup of tea you can still enjoy the petrol version with a return of around 60 mpg and a road tax of just 20 British pounds per year.
Peugeot 308 1.6 Blue HDi
This Peugeot model is definitely a strong contender for the crown of the most economical vehicle out there with the jaw-dropping fuel economy of 91.1 mpg and the additional bonus of no tax to pay by emitting just 82g/km emissions. Besides the fact that the design and performance of the impressive Peugeot model are often compared to some classic models such as Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308 manages to out-do them both in terms of fuel efficiency. This Peugeot model is definitely worth the investment and makes up for a great family and city car and perhaps this is the reason why the vehicle is so popular on the road.
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion
This latest version of the classic Volkswagen Golf range is not necessarily the cheapest one but in a long-term, it pays off with a great fuel efficiency of 88.3 mpg of the 108-bhp 1.6 TDi model and emitting just 85g/km of CO2 which pretty much means a free road tax as the other vehicles in this list. As you can guess, this Golf model is definitely a smart investment and you can get more benefits for your money. The Bluemotion comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and in either 3-door or 5-door options so you can choose the more convenient for your needs variant. In addition, Volkswagen Golf is a classic model that has proved its reliability and performance efficiency on the road for many years now, this is why it is a favourite car of not just one generation.
Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi
This Kia Rio model comes with a lot of benefits and fuel efficiency is just one of them. The spacious vehicle with an attractive design comes with a 1.1 engine and the economical offering of 88.3 mpg, just as much as the classic Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Corsa models. The diesel engine ensures as low emissions as 85g/km which, once again, means a free road tax and an eco-friendly and conscious attitude on the road. The only downside of Kia Rio is the lack of speed, but if you are looking for a comfortable and economical family car and not a rush of adrenaline you should not be bothered by this. Reliable, ensuring good performance, and cost-efficient, Kia Rio is a popular vehicle on the road and there is no wonder why many young drivers prefer to invest in the vehicle model. Without sacrificing style and safety, Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi makes up for a practical and economical vehicle you would enjoy having parked in your garage.
Ford Fiesta Hatchback
The ever-stylish Ford Fiesta is definitely a fun and well-designed model that also ensures a great fuel efficiency with a return of 85 mpg and 85g/km of CO2 emissions of the 1.6 ECOnetic TDCi model. While this option is a great solution for higher mileage drivers, in case you are covering fewer miles the 1.0 Ecoboost option is even more suitable for you. Of course, the low emissions ensure a free road tax and give you the peace of mind of a conscious and eco-friendly driving. The smart design, good performance, the wider rear opening that allows for handling larger cargo, and the fuel-efficiency of Ford Fiesta Hatchback make this vehicle an excellent choice for a family and city car.
Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi
One more strong contender for the crown of the most efficient car on the market is the very popular and most probably already classic Vauxhall Corsa. It may be a little one but it is definitely not compromising with comfort, style, and technical performance. However, one of its best features is the low fuel consumption of just 85.6 mpg of return and 87g/km in CO2 emissions. It is all thanks to the amazing Stop/Start system the 1.3 CDTi model features that ensure lower consumption and lower emissions. In case you rack up a lot of mileage and often drive on the motorway the diesel version is just perfect for you and guarantees a very good investment in a long term.
SEAT Leon Ecomotive
With its amazing design, SEAT Leon Ecomotive is definitely one of the best-looking hatchbacks on the market but this is not the model’s only advantage. The vehicle ensures a very low fuel consumption of only 85.6 mpg of return, which means a better fuel economy than a Prius, and the low emissions at 87g/km help you avoid paying the road tax. The performance of SEAT Leon Ecomotive is simply as good as the Golf Bluemotion because it has the same 1.6 TDi engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The aerodynamic performance is proved thanks to the tailgate spoiler and the 15mm lowered suspension.
Skoda Octavia Greenline
This Skoda model is definitely the biggest member of the fuel-efficient vehicles category despite not being the most economical ones. The model is often compared to Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa in performance and economy and to Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat in terms of space and comfort. As if the 590-litre boot is not impressive enough and when you make the rear seat down you will get the even more impressive 1,580 litres. This Skoda model commits to a great return of 88.3 mpg and also just 85g/km in CO2 emissions. The good balance between cost and practicality makes Skoda Octavia Greenline a very good investment.
Renault Clio 1.5 DCi
Renault Clio is definitely a major favourite and a popular option for drivers who look for fuel efficiency. Its amazing and very attractive design and the smooth and affordable drive are definitely a major advantage compared to the other car models in its category. The Clio’s design is definitely unique with hidden rear door handles that gives the initial impression of a 3-door hatchback. Despite not being essential, the colourful 7-inch touchscreen on the dashboard is yet another great feature to the vehicle along with another quirky interior “extras”. While all models in the Clio range guarantee a low fuel consumption, the 1.5-litre diesel option is simply impressive with 88 mpg return and the very low CO2 emissions of 83g/km.
Fiat Punto Multijet 1.3 Dynamic
We can say a lot of good things about this Punto model and its sleek and fun exterior, punchy and economical engine, and the fantastic built-quality of the car. The vehicle ensures a lot of comfort with its spacious interior and a lot of fuel-efficiency at 81 mpg of return and CO2 emissions of 90g/km, which means that you can enjoy a free road tax. Fiat Punto Multijet is compact and enjoyable to drive, it is easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces. It is a perfect option for young drivers and also a great city vehicle alternative. The new gearbox system of Fiat is called DuaLogic because it delivers two great features of a small car – better performance and better efficiency.