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Compare the most economical petrol cars

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Rated 4.6/5 from 49,181 reviews
most economical petrol cars

Most economical petrol cars of 2024

Petrol cars offer smooth and quiet driving characteristics, and many modern versions rival their diesel and hybrid counterparts when it comes to fuel economy. They’re usually cheaper to buy than petrols and hybrids, so if you find one with great fuel efficiency it’s a win-win. Here we have selected some of the most economical petrol cars on sale today.

Mazda 2

1. Mazda 2 (60.1mpg)

7/10
Mazda 2 review
The Mazda 2 looks great, drives brilliantly, and has plenty of standard kit. The base 75bhp petrol does 58.9mpg, but for a bit more you can get the 90bhp version which ekes out a diesel-rivalling 60.1mpg. Some alternatives do offer more impressive tech, though.
Suzuki Swift

2. Suzuki Swift (59.7mpg)

6/10
Suzuki Swift review
The Swift offers decent interior space and is fun to drive, but its boot is small even for dinky cars like it. The mild-hybrid 83bhp petrol engine is no slouch, though, and manages an excellent 59.7mpg in mixed driving conditions.
Kia Picanto
2024
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended

3. Kia Picanto (58.9mpg)

7/10
Kia Picanto review
The Picanto has a decent boot, is easy to drive, and comes with a class-leading seven-year warranty. The 66bhp petrol engine will do 60mpg, but it’s best suited to city driving. The small rear seats and relative lack of power make it less ideal for long motorway trips.
Toyota Aygo X

4. Toyota Aygo X (58.8mpg)

7/10
Toyota Aygo X review
City car meets SUV with the Toyota Aygo X. The pumped-up faux-by-four looks aren’t the only thing the Aygo X has going for it. This is a very reliable car with a five-year warranty, and fuel economy of up to 58.8mpg on the combined cycle. That’s much better economy than you’d get from a proper petrol 4x4…
Suzuki Ignis

5. Suzuki Ignis (56.9mpg)

7/10
Suzuki Ignis review
Like a little terrier that barks at big dogs, the Suzuki Ignis is feisty and eager. When it grows up it wants to be a big 4x4, but let’s hope it doesn’t grow up as it’s good fun just the way it is. Other city cars are more polished and comfortable, but there’s not a lot wrong with 56.9mpg.
Volkswagen Up

6. Volkswagen Up (55.2mpg)

9/10
Volkswagen Up review
The Up may be tiny, but it’s got a sharp interior, decent build quality and feels as polished as many bigger cars. The 65bhp petrol engine is nippy in town and frugal at 55.2mpg, although it isn’t suited for motorway driving where it feels strained.
Renault Clio

7. Renault Clio (54.4mpg)

9/10
Renault Clio review
With a quality interior, generous boot and plenty of standard equipment, the Renault Clio is a great offering. The 90bhp petrol motor offers a great 54.4mpg in combined driving, although you may want to look elsewhere for an engaging driving experience or smoother ride over rough road surfaces.
Ford Focus

8. Ford Focus (54.3mpg)

7/10
Ford Focus review
The Focus is the hatchback to go for if you love driving. It’s such good fun. Not only that, mid-range mild-hybrid 155bhp petrol offers 54.3mpg, making it impressively fuel efficient too. The boot isn’t the biggest and there are classier interiors, but the Focus is well-priced and affordable to run.
Mazda 3

9. Mazda 3 (54.3mpg)

7/10
Mazda 3 review
Aside from a tight boot and rear space, the Mazda 3 has few faults. It has a great interior with an impressive infotainment system and is a hoot to drive. The most efficient petrol engine in the range is the 186bhp 2.0-litre unit which is capable of 54.3mpg.
Dacia Sandero

10. Dacia Sandero (53.3mpg)

8/10
Dacia Sandero review
The Sandero is cheap as cheap can be, and costs buttons to run too. Go for the 1.0-litre petrol and you can expect 53.3mpg according to the official figures. Considering the budget price tag, the Sandero asks surprisingly few compromises, but the two-star Euro NCAP safety rating is disappointing.

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Advice about economical petrol cars

Most economical petrol cars FAQs

A diesel car offers a fuel economy advantage on long motorway journeys, but for short journeys around town the difference between the two is far smaller. Petrol-powered cars are also preferable to diesels for these short trips as diesels have a diesel particulate filter (DPF) which can clog up causing poor running and higher fuel consumption.

Not as a rule. Modern turbocharged petrol cars with direct injection technology can offer very impressive fuel economy figures, but a diesel car can still be slightly more economical on short trips.

As with any car, keeping to the recommended service intervals, ensuring that the tyres are at the correct pressure, and avoiding aggressive driving all help to reduce fuel consumption figures.

Idling for long periods, using the air conditioner constantly and labouring the engine in too high a gear (for manual cars) also adversely affects your fuel economy.

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