When you’re buying a new car, fuel economy is more than likely to cross your mind at some stage during the selection process. If you’re looking to cut down on your monthly fuel bill, there’s no need to buy an electric car or a hybrid as there are plenty of conventional petrol and diesel models out there that can help you cut down on how often you need to visit the pumps.
Here are our top ten most economical cars on sale:
1. Peugeot 208
It’s small, stylish and it’s one of the most fiercely contested classes in the UK. With one of the classiest cabins of any small car, the Peugeot 208 comes with a range of clean fuel-efficient engines as well as equipment, luxury, and safety. It’s reasonably quiet at motorway speed and models with the 75hp 1.6-litre diesel engine return a claimed 94.2mpg.
2. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a good choice if you’re looking for a small sporty car that’s easy to drive and has enough room in the back for adults. With brilliant driving dynamics, the Ford Fiesta has been a top seller over the years and has sharp steering and a lot of hi-tech kits. So if you want low running costs and a car that’s easy to live with every day, the Ford Fiesta is a great car that returns a claim of 74mpg.
3. Nissan Micra
The brand-new model is a big step forward for the Nissan Micra. It’s funky, stylish, and sporty with an all-new platform that delivers an improved ride and handling. Although it may be slightly more expensive than some other city cars, the 90hp 1.5-litre diesel Micra that claims 81mpg is great if you’re interested in fuel economy.
4. Renault Clio
It’s a doddle to drive and comes with a reasonably smart interior. Although the back seats can be rather cramped and its boot may not be very practical, a 1.5-litre diesel model with 90hp claws back some points with an impressive claimed fuel economy of 88mpg, making it one of the cheapest cars to run on the market.
5. Vauxhall Astra
With a relatively upmarket interior, the Vauxhall Astra’s latest model is highly competitive in the compact hatchback segment. While Astra engines are efficient and clean, the 1.6-litre diesel engine comes out on top. Pick a 110hp 1.6-litre diesel model and the Astra will be very cheap to run with Vauxhall claiming that it’ll return 83mpg. It may not have quite as practical a boot as some cars, but it’s a comfortable family car that has lots of equipment.
6. Fiat Tipo
With a soft suspension, when the Tipo is on the move it feels relaxed. With figures of 83.1mpg for the 1.6 Multijet Elite, if you’re looking for a well-rounded budget hatch then this could be the one for you. It features a sporty grille and has an upright tailgate to the back, maximising the available space in the rear.
7. Vauxhall Corsa
Despite losing out in terms of boot space, the Vauxhall Corsa has a smart and sensible cabin. Pick a 1.3-litre diesel model with 95hp and it’ll return a claimed 81mpg, which is more than the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and the Ford Fiesta. Vauxhall has enjoyed years of success and a new suspension setup has brought improved ride quality and reduced body roll.
8. DS 3
Traditionally DS favoured comfort over outright performance, however, the DS 3 changed this slightly with its good handling and composed ride. Originally being sold as a Citroen, the DS 3 raised the standard significantly over the rest of the PSA supermini pack. The DS is more than just a pretty face, as the 1.6 Connected Chic will return a fantastic 83.1mpg.
9. Alfa Romeo Mito
Providing an alternative to the likes of Audi and Mini, it appears as though the 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel engine will return an outstanding 83.1mpg on the combined cycle. Despite its huge steering wheel and shoddy interior, the MiTo is more than likely to make you want to turn your head with its wide wheel arches and squat profile.
10. Ford Focus
Having been around since 1999, the latest MkIV model is better than ever and diesel engines are made readily available on every focus. Even though a powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine is available, the economy champ is the 1.5 TDCI, which returns an impressive 83.1mpg on the combined cycle. Its handling is the best with its sharp steering and balance between firm and comfortable, you can’t go wrong with a Ford.
