Fuel economy is one of the most important considerations when buying a new car. Choosing a fuel-efficient car that delivers more miles per gallon (mpg) in the real world can save you a lot of money – and the correspondingly low CO2 emissions are better for the environment.
In this guide we’ve listed the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy brand new with petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines. However, we’ve consciously not included plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or pure electric cars, as they have a battery range to consider as well. All the cars are listed with their official combined fuel economy figure, measured using the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) process, which is now the industry standard. Bear in mind that these figures serve as a guide, and that the actual fuel economy you achieve in any car will be dependent on several factors, including driving style and the types of journeys you undertake.
These are the Most Fuel Efficient Cars in 2025
Best Petrol Cars for MPG:
- Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet MHEV - 56.9mpg
- Peugeot 208 1.2 Puretech 100 - 58.2mpg
- Toyota Aygo X 1.0 VVTi - 58.8mpg
- Kia Picanto 1.0 66 ‘1’ - 58.9mpg
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet MHEV - 59.7mpg
Best Diesel Cars for MPG:
- Mercedes-Benz C220d Saloon - 61.4mpg
- Audi A3 Saloon Sport 35 TDI S tronic 7AT - 62.8mpg
- Seat Leon 2.0 TDI 116 - 62.4mpg
- Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI 116 - 67.3 mpg
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 115 - 67.5mpg
Best Hybrid Cars for MPG:
- Kia Niro Hybrid - 64.2mpg
- Peugeot 208 Hybrid 110 e-DSC6 - 65.9mpg
- Renault Clio 1.6 E-Tech - 67.3mpg
- Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid - 70.6mpg
- Mazda 2 1.5 Hybrid - 74.3mpg
Best Petrol Cars for MPG
5. Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet MHEV - 56.9mpg
SUVs are supposed to be thirsty — so you might not have expected to find one on this list. However, the Ignis is a pretty tiny SUV — shorter than the average supermini, and lighter too, which helps with its impressive fuel economy. Its mild hybrid engine is shared with the Suzuki Swift, below, and it’s a perky unit that manages to be surprisingly good fun to drive despite its frugality.
“Mild hybrid?”, we hear you cry. “Doesn’t that mean it should figure further down in the hybrids section?” No, frankly, because despite what Suzuki’s marketing department claims, it’s not a proper hybrid: the componentry fitted amounts to little more than a clever starter motor that provides a teeny bit more shove when pulling away to take a fraction of the burden off the petrol engine. However, that help is enough to allow the Ignis to make our list. It’s a likeable car in a variety of other ways, too, with characterful looks, decent practicality and a lively driving experience.
Suzuki Ignis Review
4. Peugeot 208 1.2 Puretech 100 - 58.2mpg
The Peugeot 208 flies the flag for Europe in this list of petrol-powered MPG heroes. And as you’d expect from the French brand, the 208 is a smart little car that brings lashings of style to the small car class, both inside and out. Its 1.2-litre petrol turbo engine is the same one found in countless other models made by parent company Stellantis (such as the Citroen C3 and Vauxhall Corsa), but the 208 is the one that gets the most out of it, especially when paired with the six-speed manual gearbox. You can make your 208 even more economical by choosing the hybrid version, though — you’ll find it further down this list.
Peugeot 208 Review
3. Toyota Aygo X 1.0 VVTi - 58.8mpg
As you’ll notice throughout this list, small cars are the most efficient cars, because less size means less weight, and weight is the biggest enemy of fuel economy. That’s why a Ford Fiesta will always be more economical than a Ford Focus if both are powered by the same engine. Unfortunately, though, many of the smallest cars are disappearing from the new car market these days because they’re much harder for car manufacturers to make a profit on. But one of the few that’s left is the Toyota Aygo X. Toyota’s city car contender has morphed into an SUV-esque crossover complete with raised ride height and jacked-up styling, but despite its chunky looks, it's still svelte enough to return 58.8mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.
Toyota Aygo X Review
2. Kia Picanto 1.0 66 - 58.9mpg
The only other ‘A-segment’ city car on our list, the Kia Picanto has the most marginal of leads over the Aygo X with a fuel return of up to 58.9mpg. However, do bear in mind that this figure only applies to the entry-level ‘1’- and ‘2’-trimmed models with their teeny 14-inch wheels. The former is fairly sparsely equipped, while the latter is liveable with; just be aware that if you upgrade beyond that, then your fuel return will drop. Fuel economy and equipment aside, the Picanto is a cracking little car. It’s roomy enough for four adults and a bit of luggage, it’s comfortable and enjoyable to drive, and it’s well built and comes with a generous seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
Kia Picanto Review
1. Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet MHEV - 59.7mpg
We take a small step up in size now to the ‘B-segment’, or ‘supermini’ class, where we find the Suzuki Swift. The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine is fitted with the same mild hybrid technology, as you’ll find in the Ignis, above. The difference here is that the Swift’s lower profile and lighter weight allow for even better fuel economy — which is why it tops our list with a return of 59.7mpg. But fuel economy isn’t all the Swift has to offer. Despite its diminutive dimensions, this is a surprisingly roomy car inside, and it’s great fun to drive, with a snicky gearchange and agile handling that’ll have you grinning every time you bung it into a series of bends. Combined with its impressive fuel economy, that means this is a car that pleases the heart as well as the head.
Suzuki Swift Review
Best Diesel Cars for MPG
5. Mercedes-Benz C220d Saloon - 61.4mpg
When most manufacturers gave up on diesel engines, Mercedes didn’t — in fact, it kept on developing its line of diesels, adding mild hybrid tech to boost their fuel economy even further. That’s why you can now buy a C-Class saloon capable of an extraordinary 61.4mpg on average. That’s right — a car the size of the BMW 3 Series that gets better fuel economy than any of the petrol superminis in the list above. And this is not some stripped-out, bare-bones basic version, either; the AMG Line C-Class comes with a glut of toys, and an engine that kicks out a not-inconsiderable 194bhp.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
4. Audi A3 Saloon Sport 35 TDI S tronic 7AT - 62.8mpg
Specify your Audi A3 Sport 35 TDI in five-door hatchback form - otherwise known as the ‘Sportback’ - and you’ll get an identical 61.4mpg return to the Mercedes-Benz we were just talking about. The margins are always fine when you compare Audi and Mercedes, and they don’t come much finer than that. However, think outside the box and specify your Audi in handsome four-door saloon form, and the more slippery shape allows the car - with the same 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox - to eke out an extra 1.4 miles from every gallon of diesel. Sure, the A3’s interior quality might not be what it once was, but there’s plenty to like besides, with a roomy cabin, smart driving manners and lots of tech.
Audi A3 Review
3. Seat Leon 2.0 TDI 116 - 62.4mpg
Once upon a time, if you were buying a car the size of a Volkswagen Golf, there was a 50/50 chance you were buying one with a diesel engine. These days, though demand for diesel has dwindled to the point that practically none of them can be bought with a diesel engine. However, a few hold-outs remain — and they tend to have a lot in common, given most of them are based around the same platform; that of the Golf itself. First up, it’s the Seat Leon, the Golf’s Latin cousin. Boasting just as much space, but costing less and coming with a sharper chassis that makes it more rewarding to drive, the Leon is a tempting proposition — and with this powertrain, it manages to combine frugality with Iberian flair.
Seat Leon Review
2. Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI 116 - 67.3 mpg
The third Volkswagen Group car in our list of fuel-sipping diesels is the Skoda Octavia. And like the Seat Leon mentioned above, the 2.0-litre diesel engine beneath the Skoda’s bonnet has a relatively slight 114bhp. But that means it’ll go even further between fill-ups. The Skoda is an effortless car to live with, too, with acres of space for people and their stuff, a smart and solidly built cabin, and a relaxed and easy-going driving experience. As such, it’s a tremendous family car. The fact that it’s well equipped and affordable to buy and run merely tops off the package.
Skoda Octavia Review
1. Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 115 - 67.5mpg
Top of our diesel-powered tree is the all-conquering Volkswagen Golf, the fourth of the platform-sharing Volkswagen Group cars in our rundown of the most efficient diesel cars. It’s packing the same 114bhp diesel engine as its Skoda- and Seat-badged stablemates (despite the slightly misleading naming), but the Volkswagen manages to be marginally more economical than either of them. It’s also one of the best cars in its class to drive, with soothing ride comfort combined and sharp, alert handling. The smart interior is packed with lots of tech including a pair of digital screens and various connected functions. No wonder Volkswagen calls this car ‘the digital Golf’. The best MPG figures you’ll find on a diesel car also help make this one of the most economical cars for those who do huge motorway mileages — and a very tempting alternative to a hybrid like the Toyota Corolla.
Volkswagen Golf Review
Best Hybrid Cars for MPG
5. Kia Niro Hybrid - 64.2mpg
OK, so let’s get the bad news out of the way first. The Kia Niro Hybrid isn’t going to win any fans for the way it drives. It’s not that it’s bad; it’s just a bit uninspiring. But to be honest, you might be able to put that to the back of your mind when you realise just how much money it’ll save you. Put it this way: this is a family-sized crossover with space for four adults to sit comfortably — five at a push — yet it’ll mix it in this list , achieving similar fuel economy to superminis (and even bettering some other small hybrid cars like the Honda Jazz). Generous equipment levels mean the Niro is a pleasant car to spend time in, meanwhile, and it does a decent job of cruising along on the motorway, meaning family days out are a doddle.
Kia Niro Review
4. Peugeot 208 Hybrid 110 e-DSC6 - 65.9mpg
Peugeot’s stylish supermini recently gained itself a range of self-charging hybrid powertrains, the 108bhp version of which (the other puts out 143bhp) slots straight into our rundown of the most economical hybrids. Peugeot is still relatively new to the self-charging hybrid party (although it's been doing plug-in hybrids for quite a while), but the firm still claims that the 208 can run around for up to 50% of the time on electric-only power. And with its chic styling, it looks absolutely great while doing so.
Peugeot 208 Review
3. Renault Clio 1.6 E-Tech - 67.3mpg
Another chic French supermini that’s packing self-charging hybrid tech, the Clio E-Tech marginally has the measure of its Gallic cousin with an average fuel return of up to 67.3mpg. It’s also considerably more powerful with a total of 143bhp to call upon from the combination of its 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor. The Clio’s driving experience is generally very grown-up and relaxed, with a comfortable ride and good refinement. A facelift in 2023 made the looks even fresher, while the interior is spacious and nicely finished.
Renault Clio Review
2. Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid - 70.6mpg
It’ll come as no surprise whatsoever that a Toyota hatchback finishes so high up here. After all, no mainstream car company has as much experience with hybrid cars as Toyota; although Honda wasn’t far behind with the Mk1 Insight, the original Toyota Prius was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid, and petrol-electric power now features in the vast majority of Toyota/Lexus models. Models like the Yaris, which isn’t just one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars out there — it’s one of the most fuel-efficient cars full stop. It’s not perfect - the ride is a bit firm and the interior is rather dour - but it feels nimble and alert on the road, and it’ll come with the same peerless reliability and generous warranty as every other Toyota. Chuck in its minuscule running costs, and the package becomes even more appealing.
Toyota Yaris Review
1. Mazda 2 1.5 Hybrid - 74.3mpg
If you’re thinking that the Mazda 2 Hybrid looks a lot like the Toyota Yaris we were just talking about, then you'd be correct. In fact, the 2 Hybrid is little more than a rebadged version of the Yaris, built by Toyota and sold on to Mazda for resale to you. Given that the two cars are all but identical, we’re not entirely sure why official tests give the Mazda a fuel consumption figure that’s more than 4mpg better than the Toyota’s, but we have to trust that the WLTP folks know what they’re doing. Bearing in mind their similarity, the Mazda has many of the same attributes as the Yaris, but do bear in mind that you’ll only get a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty with the Mazda.
(Note: Figures correct at the time of publication, but are subject to regular change so should be independently checked)