Best fuel economy cars 2022: 10 most fuel efficient new petrol and diesel cars in UK - and how much they cost
The UK’s cars with the best fuel economy - from city cars to family hatchbacks and SUVs
With petrol and diesel prices at record levels, the cost of fuelling a car is an increasing worry for many drivers.
For motorists looking for a new vehicle, an electric car with its lower per-mile running costs might be a tempting solution for some but for others an EV isn’t the right car.
If an EV is for you, we’ve got round-ups of the cheapest models and those with the longest ranges but, if not, we’ve also compiled a list of 10 most fuel efficient cars currently on sale in the UK.
On paper, plug-in hybrids should dominate, with claimed economies running into 200+mpg. However, those figures are massively reliant on the cars being charged at every opportunity - not something every driver is able to do.
Instead, we’ve focused on regular combustion engined cars and “full” hybrids where economy is determined by driving style rather than the ability to charge regularly.
The ranking is based on the official WLTP combined consumption data - obtained using the same testing for every car. While these are still often higher than you’ll get in day-to-day use they are far closer to reality than the previous NEDC system and offer a straight comparison between models.
If an EV is for you, we’ve got round-ups of the cheapest models and those with the longest ranges but, if not, we’ve also compiled a list of 10 most fuel efficient cars currently on sale in the UK.
5. Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 115 Life - 67.4mpg (From £26,035)
The Golf is closely related to the previous Skoda but is a little smaller and a little less economical . Still, it’s a good-looking and practical family hatchback packed with the latest technology and wearing a badge that still carries a certain cachet even after all these years. The catch? It’s more expensive than the similarly frugal Octavia and Seat Leon with which it shares this engine.
6. Vauxhall Astra Design 1.5 130 - 65.7mpg (From £25,405)
The all-new Vauxhall Astra is a major step up from the previous generation in almost every conceivable way, from how it looks to how it drives. Economy is about the only area where the two are matched but that means this new car with its impressive refinement and comfort is still among the most efficient new cars on the market.
7. Peugeot 2008 1.5 BlueHDI 110 Active Premium - 65.7mpg (From £23,900)
While other brands are abandoning diesel completely, the collective Stellantis group is hanging on to its 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit for the moment. It’s understandable, really. Some drivers still want the unrivalled range and economy of an oil-burner and so Peugeot’s sharp-looking compact SUV comes with the diesel option as well as petrol and full-electric variants. Like the 308 and 208, the 2008 benefits from the current Peugeot renaissance, with good looks, high spec and a stylish interior.
8. Citroen C3 Shine Plus BlueHDi 100 - 65.7mpg (From £21,225)
The trusty 1.5-litre diesel from the 208, 2008 and Corsa makes another appearance on our list, this time in Citroen’s take on the supermini. While the Peugeot is all sporty style, and the Corsa’s a straightlaced Fiesta rival this little French car is all about quirky looks and unrivalled ride comfort.