Best MPG Cars – Our complete guide

The price of fuel is key for many drivers. That’s why it’s important to find a car that quite literally goes the extra mile.

Finding the most fuel-efficient cars, or those that travel further for less, can be tricky. So, we’ve pulled together some tips on what to look out for when choosing a new car, and a list of some of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market to get you started.

EASY AS HACK:

To improve your fuel consumption:

• Avoid short trips
• Use cruise control
• Reduce the weight of your car

What is “Miles per Gallon” (MPG)?

To help measure fuel efficiency, the motoring world uses miles per gallon or mpg. It’s a simple metric to show how far a vehicle will travel with one gallon of fuel.

The higher the mpg, the more fuel efficient your car. If you own a more fuel-efficient car, it’s likely that it produces fewer emissions too, which means you can save at the petrol station and on paying higher road tax.

How is fuel efficiency calculated?

Fuel-efficiency refers to how far your car will travel using a certain amount of fuel.

For example: If Car A travels 50 miles with a gallon of fuel and Car B covers 60 miles using the same amount of fuel, Car B is more fuel-efficient.

What makes a car more fuel efficient?

The fuel efficiency of a car is decided by several factors:

• Aerodynamics: The size and shape of the car can have a lot of effect on how fuel efficient it is. The more aerodynamic the car, the easier it can push through the air, and the less fuel it uses to do so.
• Engine type: Diesel engines are more efficient than petrol engines. The amount of power the engine generates can also have an affect on fuel efficiency. For example, a four cylinder engine will be more efficient than a V6 or V8 engine.
• Speed: The speed of your car can also affect its fuel efficiency. If you drive at an inconsistent speed, i.e. repeatedly speeding up and slowing down, you’ll burn more fuel than if you drive at a consistent speed, therefore making the car less fuel efficient.
• Emissions: While the emissions of a car don’t directly affect its fuel efficiency, the two are linked. Fuel-efficient cars are typically low on emissions too.

10 of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market

Vauxhall Corsa

- Price: From £19,635
- MPG: 52.3
- Engine: 1.2 litre

The humble Vauxhall Corsa hatchback is one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market right now. The Corsa packs a punch when it comes to speed, but its comfy interior and easy handling make it a dream to drive.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

- Price: From £22,640
- MPG: 64.1
- Engine: 1.5 litre

This small and chic hybrid is very fuel efficient. It’s also self-charging, meaning it will charge while you drive – no need to stop and plug in. The Yaris Hybrid packs in a smart collision detection system, adaptive cruise control and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Skoda Octavia

- Price: From £29,320
- MPG: 65
- Engine: 2.0 litre

One of the most cost-efficient diesels available, the Octavia comes out on top against some of the more premium family cars. Interior space shouldn’t be a problem as the manufacturers have increased the distance between the front and rear axles to give passengers more legroom.

Mazda 2 Hybrid

- Price: From £24,135
- MPG: 72
- Engine: 1.5 litre

A self-charging supermini that really goes the distance. The Mazda 2 Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market. If you need a compact city car that won’t break the bank, look no further.

Kia Niro 4 Hybrid

- Price: From £35,085
- MPG: 68.9
- Engine: 1.6 litre

The Niro Hybrid is sprinkled with smart design touches that set it apart from similar-priced family SUVs. Boomerang-shaped backlights, two-tone paintwork, and Kia’s trademark tiger grille give this ‘crossover’ a sleek look while being one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market.

Fiat 500 Hybrid

- Price: From £16,800
- MPG: 61.4
- Engine: 1.0 litre

This car may be small, but it’s perfect for driving round your favourite city, and it’s also very fuel efficient. Equipped with cruise control you can save even more fuel in the Fiat 500.

Hyundai Kona Hybrid

- Price: From £30,385
- MPG: 65.7
- Engine: 1.6 litre

This small SUV hybrid is very fuel efficient and extremely stylish. The sleek interior gives you a comfortable drive, and the modern but iconic exterior makes you a standout on the road.

Peugeot 208 BlueHDi

- Price: From £18,873
- MPG: 72.2
- Engine: 1.5 litre

This little powerhouse of a car will get you where you need to go, and you’ll barely have to fill up the 41-litre tank. The Peugeot is designed so you can see the instruments over the steering wheel, rather than through it, giving you an excellent driving experience.

Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid Motion

- Price: From £18,699
- MPG: 74.3
- Engine: 1.2 litres

This fuel-efficient car is also one of the smallest, but it delivers plenty of kit in its supermini-sized frame. With a tight turning circle, collision mitigation system and hill hold control, you can whizz around town with satisfying ease.

Citroen C4

- Price: From £18,723
- MPG: 63.8
- Engine: 1.2 litres

A fairly priced family SUV, the Citroen C4 will get all your passengers from A to B in comfort. If you invest in one of the higher-priced models you even get a small slide-out tray on the passenger side to clip in a tablet. A fuel-efficient car that’s perfect for long journeys with the kids.

How to improve your fuel consumption

There are plenty of ways to improve your fuel consumption without buying a more fuel efficient car:

• Avoid short trips: A typical combustion engine needs time to heat up, which uses fuel. If it’s a short journey, it’s much more efficient for you to walk.
• Use cruise control: Cruise control is a great way to maximise your fuel efficiency. It lets you maintain a single speed. So, if you do a lot of motorway driving, cruise control is an ideal option.
• Reduce the weight: Extra weight in your car increases your fuel consumption. The engine needs to work harder to move the heavier weight. Even doing something as simple as removing an unused roof rack can make a difference.

How much do journeys cost in a fuel-efficient car?

If you want to plan ahead and see how much journeys would cost in a fuel-efficient car you need to know the distance you plan to travel and the cost of fuel.

To get the latest average costs for petrol and diesel in the UK, use our Fuel Price Tracker.

What will my first tax payment be on a fuel-efficient car?

 

CO2 emissions	Diesel cars that meet the RDE2 standard and petrol cars	All other diesel cars	Alternative fuel cars
0g/km	£0	£0	£0
1 to 50g/km	£10	£30	£0
51 to 75g/km	£30	£130	£20
76 to 90g/km	£130	£165	£120
91 to 100g/km	£165	£185	£155
101 to 110g/km	£185	£210	£175
111 to 130g/km	£210	£255	£200
131 to 150g/km	£255	£645	£245
151 to 170g/km	£645	£1,040	£635
171 to 190g/km	£1,040	£1,565	£1,030
191 to 225g/km	£1,565	£2,220	£1,555
226 to 255g/km	£2,220	£2,605	£2,210
Over 255g/km	£2,605	£2,605	£2,595

 

What will my second and later tax payments be on a fuel-efficient car?

 

Fuel type	Single 12 month payment	Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit	Total of 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit	Single 6 month payment	Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit
Petrol or diesel	£180	£180	£189	£99	£94.50
Electric	£0	N/A	N/A	£0	N/A
Alternative	£170	£170	£178.50	£93.50	£89.25

What does MPG stand for?

MPG stand for miles per gallon.

How reliable is the mpg measurement?

Car manufacturers must give their mpg figures by law. However, when you take into account other factors, such as driving styles and road conditions, the actual distance a car will travel can be different to what manufacturers claim.

What does fuel efficient mean?

A vehicle that is designed to prevent the wasteful consumption of fuel.

Can your car’s fuel efficiency change over time?

Yes. as your engine ages, your fuel economy could slightly decrease.

What is a good MPG rating for a petrol car?

A good MPG rating for a petrol car is generally considered to be around 50 mpg or higher.

What is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car?

As of 2024, one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars in the UK is the Peugeot 208 diesel.

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