Fuel economy is one of the most important considerations when buying a new car. Choosing a fuel-efficient car that delivers the mpg (miles per gallon) goods 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.
Best Cars for MPG 2024
Best Petrol Cars for MPG:
- Toyota Aygo X 1.0 VVTi - 58.8mpg
- Kia Picanto 1.0 66 ‘1’ - 58.9mpg
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet MHEV - 59.7mpg
- Citroen C3 PureTech 110 EAT6 - 59.8mpg
- Mazda 2 1.5 90 Skyactiv-G - 60.1mpg
Best Diesel Cars for MPG:
- BMW 116d SE Man - 61.4mpg
- Audi A3 Saloon Sport 35 TDI 150 S tronic 7AT - 62.8mpg
- Citroen C3 Aircross BlueHDi 110 Max 6MT - 64.0mpg
- Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI 116 SE Technology - 67.3 mpg
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 115 Life - 67.5mpg
Best Hybrid Cars for MPG:
- Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid - 64.1mpg
- Peugeot 208 Hybrid 100e-DSC6 - 65.9mpg
- Renault Clio 1.6 E-Tech - 67.3mpg
- Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVTi 116 - 70.6mpg
- Mazda 2 Hybrid 1.5 116 - 74.3mpg
Best Petrol Cars for MPG
5. 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
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4. Kia Picanto 1.0 66 ‘1’ - 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, so do 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
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3. 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 petrol engine is fitted with mild hybrid technology, allowing a return of 59.7mpg. “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 Swift to make our list. It’s a likeable car in a variety of other ways, too, with smart looks, decent practicality and a lively driving experience.
Suzuki Swift Review
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2. Citroen C3 PureTech 110 EAT6 - 59.8mpg
The Citroen C3 flies the flag for Europe in this list of petrol-powered MPG heroes. And as you’d expect from the French brand, the C3 is a quirky little car that does things its own way, with funky looks inside and out, and heaps of character. The 1.2-litre Puretech engine is the same one found in countless other models made by parent company Stellantis (such as the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa), but the C3 is pretty much the only model that still offers it in 110 horsepower guise, paired with the six-speed automatic gearbox, a combination that allows a fuel return of 59.8mpg.
Citroen C3 Review
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1. Mazda 2 1.5 90 Skyactiv-G - 60.1mpg
The Mazda 2 is the James Milner of small cars: it feels like it’s been around forever. But despite its age, the Japanese supermini, in 1.5 90 Skyactiv-G form, is the only pure-petrol car remaining on sale that’ll crack the 60mpg mark. There’s more to like than just its fuel economy, too. It’s a smart-looking little thing, both on the outside and the inside, the infotainment system is a doddle to use, and even the entry-level versions come well equipped. Sure, the powertrain isn’t as impressive for performance or refinement as it is for efficiency, and the driving manners are a little rough and ready, but if ultimate economy from a traditionally powered petrol car is your priority, there’s literally nothing that can beat it.
Mazda 2 Review
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Best Diesel Cars for MPG
5. BMW 116d SE Man - 61.4mpg
This part of our list looks virtually unrecognisable from how it looked last year, and there’s a good reason. Diesel has become so unfashionable these days that sales have slowed to the point where manufacturers are withdrawing their diesel offerings from sale at a rate of knots. Remember we said that the most efficient cars were small cars? Well, in many cases, you’ll struggle to find a diesel car still on sale on the new car market at all, let alone a small one. One of the few that remains is the BMW 116d. Diesel was once the backbone of BMW’s model range, and while such engine choices have disappeared for many of the firm’s models, it’s still clinging on in the 1 Series. Not only does the 116d offer a combined fuel economy figure of up to 61.4mpg, but it also offers BMW’s trademark strengths of a really polished driving experience (despite now being front-wheel drive, shock, horror!), exemplary interior quality (it’s a match for anything from Audi, Mercedes-Benz or Volvo) and a brilliant infotainment system.
BMW 1 Series Review
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4. Audi A3 Saloon Sport 35 TDI 150 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 BMW we were just talking about. The margins are always fine when you compare Audi and BMW, and they don’t come much finer than that. However, think outside the box and specify your Audi in handsome four-door saloon form, then 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
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3. Citroen C3 Aircross BlueHDi 110 Max 6MT - 64.0mpg
As is the fashion we’ve already observed, diesel engines have been largely purged from most of the model ranges within the sprawling Stellantis group, especially when it comes to small-car offerings. However, the Citroen C3 Aircross range is one of the few where diesel is still an option. You have to select range-topping Max trim to get access to the 108bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine, so it’s not the cheapest version, but that does mean lots of standard equipment. There’s plenty to like about Citroen’s miniature SUV besides, such as its bold styling, quirky character and smooth driving manners.
Citroen C3 Aircross Review
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2. Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI 116 SE Technology - 67.3 mpg
The second Volkswagen Group car in our list of fuel-sipping diesels is the Skoda Octavia. Things are a bit different than with the closely related Audi A3 already mentioned because the 2.0-litre diesel engine beneath the Skoda’s bonnet only has 114bhp compared to the Audi’s 148bhp, 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
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1. Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 115 Life - 67.5mpg
Top of our diesel-powered tree is the all-conquering Volkswagen Golf, the third of the platform-sharing Volkswagen Group cars in our rundown of the most efficient diesel cars (heck, the Seat Leon might well have also featured if the diesel version hadn’t been binned already). It’s packing the same 114bhp diesel engine as its Skoda-badged stablemate (despite the slightly misleading naming), but its more diminutive proportions and lower weight mean that the Volkswagen is marginally more economical. It’s also one of the best cars in its class to drive, with soothing ride comfort combined with 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.
Volkswagen Golf Review
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Best Hybrid Cars for MPG
5. Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid - 64.1mpg
The second Toyota model - after the Aygo X - in our rundown of the new car market’s most efficient cars, and as we’ll find out, not the last. 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), and the cleanliness of the Yaris Cross, the firm’s small SUV, is an indication of the brand’s peerless expertise in this area. It’s not the best car of its type to drive, and nor is it the most practical, but it’s good enough in both areas to convince. Where it really shines, though, is the reliability that you’re likely to enjoy - no car company has a reputation in this area as good as Toyota’s - and you’ll also have the backup of a warranty that could last up to 10 years.
Toyota Yaris Cross Review
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4. Peugeot 208 Hybrid 100e-DSC6 - 65.9mpg
Peugeot’s stylish supermini has been facelifted for 2024, and among the raft of changes made is the arrival of new self-charging hybrid powertrains, the 100 horsepower version of which (the other puts out 136 horsepower) slots straight into our rundown of the most economical hybrids. Peugeot is 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
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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
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2. Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVTi 116 - 70.6mpg
It’ll come as no surprise whatsoever that the Yaris hatchback is packing exactly the same hybrid system as the Yaris Cross SUV we mentioned earlier. However, reduced weight and sleeker bodywork gives the hatchback version a sizeable advantage when it comes to fuel economy - 6.5mpg to be exact. 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
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1. Mazda 2 Hybrid 1.5 116 - 74.3mpg
If you’re thinking that the Mazda 2 Hybrid looks a lot more like the Toyota Yaris we were just talking about than it does the Mazda 2 we mentioned back in the petrol section of this article, 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.
Mazda 2 Review
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(Note: Figures correct at the time of publication, but are subject to regular change so should be independently checked)