As fuel prices remain unpredictable and climate concerns grow, fuel efficiency is no longer just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. Whether you’re a seasoned daily commuter, a brand-new driver or simply looking to shrink your carbon footprint, a fuel-efficient car can make all the difference. In this guide, we spotlight ten of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy – spanning petrol, diesel and hybrid options – and offer practical advice on how to choose, and drive, more wisely.
Why fuel efficiency matters
Fuel efficiency simply means how far a vehicle can travel on a given amount of fuel. It’s measured in miles per gallon (MPG). Higher fuel efficiency means a car can travel further on a smaller amount of fuel, leading to lower fuel costs and reduced environmental impact.
Fuel efficiency directly affects how much you spend at the pump and how much CO2 your car emits. For many drivers, efficiency equals savings, because fuel efficient vehicles consume less fuel over time. But beyond personal finances, fuel-efficient cars produce lower emissions and leave a smaller carbon footprint, making them a smart choice for the planet.
Fuel-efficient cars usually offer better resale value, too – meaning that they tend to retain their value better than other vehicles.
As London and other cities expand Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) become more common across the UK, driving an efficient car can also mean avoiding hefty charges.
Lower running costs make fuel-efficient cars ideal for car finance customers. You can find out more about car finance and whether it could help you fund a fuel-efficient car in our car finance guide.
Before we dive straight into our list, here’s a quick word on MPG figures and how they’re calculated. Official fuel economy figures are worked out in lab conditions by WLTP testing (which stands for worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure). The figures we provide here are the official average WLTP fuel economy ratings supplied by the manufacturers for each model. WLTP figures are the best possible MPG achievable, but they don’t quite reflect real-world MPG figures. Where they’re available we’ve included real-world figures, too.
Compare MPG figures for the petrol and diesel cars in our list at a glance:
Peugeot 208 | Renaut Clio | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Golf | Skoda Octavia | Suzuki Swift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Petrol (MPG) | 44.3-58.8 | 47.9 to 54.4 | 70 | 50-60 | 42.2-57.5 | 57.6-64.2 |
Diesel (MPG) | 60.8-73.6 | 56.5 to 68.9 | 44-50 | 60-70 | 54.3-68.9 | n/a |
Peugeot 208
Depending on trim level and engine, this sleek, eye-catching super-mini returns between 44.3 and 58.8 MPG (petrol) and 60.8-73.6 MPG (diesel). The diesel engines are especially fuel efficient: the 1.5 litre Blue HDI can achieve more than 73 MPG (new diesel models are no longer available but there are plenty of them on the used car market), and one of the best real-world MPG ratings – over 60 MPG – among small diesel cars.
Renault Clio
A long-time favourite among UK drivers, the Renault Clio combines stylish looks with impressive fuel efficiency. Petrol versions typically return between 47.9-54.4 MPG, while the older 1.5 dCi diesel models can achieve over 70 MPG in official tests, with many owners reporting real-world figures in the mid-to-high 60s. Comfortable to drive and well-equipped across trims, the Clio is a practical and economical choice whether you’re buying new or exploring the used market.
Vauxhall Corsa
One of the UK’s best-selling cars, the Vauxhall Corsa is fantastic value for money, with advanced driver assistance features. It also boasts great WLTP MPG figures: the older 1.5 litre turbodiesel model can officially deliver more than 70 MPG. All petrol Corsas can officially return an average fuel economy of at least 50 MPG, but real-world MPG figures tend to be a bit lower, averaging at around 44 MPG.
Volkswagen Golf
The Golf continues to be a benchmark for build quality and long-distance efficiency, returning between 50-60 MPG (petrol) and over 60 MPG (diesel); the 1.6 TDI claims to reach nearly 70 MPG. The BlueMotion is the lowest-emission version of the Golf; latest models come in either 1.6 TDI diesel or 1.0 litre PSI petrol engines. They offer excellent economy (65-75 MPG), a refined drive and a premium interior feel.
Skoda Octavia
One of the most spacious cars in its class, the ever-popular Octavia 2.0 TDI returns close to 70 MPG and offers excellent long-distance comfort. Skoda Octavia petrol engines range from 42.2-57.5 MPG, while diesel engines can achieve 54.3-68.9 MPG, depending on the model.
Suzuki Swift
Lightweight and efficient, the Suzuki Swift is affordable and fun to drive, and offers great fuel economy. The mild-hybrid technology in all new Swifts helps to boost its efficiency (manual petrol engines: 57.6-64.2 MPG), making it an extremely economical car to run. A great choice for budget-conscious drivers wanting hybrid tech without the plug-in hassle.
Compare the MPG figures for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars on our list at a glance:
Toyota Prius | Hyundai Ioniq | Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Mercedes-Benz E300 DE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Petrol (MPG) | 50-80 | 61-63 | 60.1-64.1 | n/a |
Diesel (MPG) | 564.9 | 256.8 | n/a | 176-201 |
Toyota Prius
The Prius is known for its exceptional fuel efficiency, frequently outperforming its hybrid competitors. Often exceeding 50 MPG and sometimes reaching 80 MPG or over in real-world driving, the new model plug-in hybrid is also knock-out gorgeous (a welcome style upgrade) and claims to officially return an eye-popping 564.9 MPG, providing you only use electric power. Self-charging models that don’t require plugging in are cheaper to pick up second-hand and return closer to 70 MPG in real-world terms.
Hyundai Ioniq
Smaller and lighter than the Prius, the Hyundai Ioniq plug-in hybrid doesn’t quite match the Toyota’s MPG claim, but it does officially deliver a not-to-be-sniffed-at WLTP figure of 256.8 MPG with purely electric driving (or a very respectable 61-63 MPG for the self-charging hybrid model). In real-world terms, you can expect around 83.5 MPG, which makes the Ioniq a solid, safe and economical choice.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
This popular, stylish and fuel-efficient car boasts smooth, hybrid tech and comes primarily as a hatchback (choose between a 1.8L or 2.0L hybrid engine), although saloon and touring sports models are available. As it’s a self-charging hybrid it doesn’t need to be plugged in to recharge; a brand-new hatchback’s official fuel economy is 60.1-64.1 MPG according to Toyota – that’s over 50 MPG in real-world terms.
Mercedes-Benz E300 DE
Premium, powerful and surprisingly frugal, the Mercedes-Benz E300 DE plug-in hybrid diesel has a combined WLTP fuel economy of around 176-201 MPG, which in real-world driving translates to roughly 75 MPG or higher. With an impressive electrical range of between 25-30 miles, it’s also as comfortable, spacious and luxurious as you’d expect.
Choose your car to suit your driving habits – for short trips, hybrids or small petrol cars are best, while for longer journeys and motorway driving diesel engines are more efficient.
Budget considerations – big on fuel efficiency doesn’t always mean big on price! The Suzuki Swift and the Renault Clio are highly efficient at very reasonable prices.
Technology and comfort – on the other end of the scale, the Mercedes-Benz E300 DE and other premium saloon or estate models offer luxury and refinement without compromising on MPG.
Finance options – happily, all of these cars are available through car finance, often second hand, including hire purchase, personal contract purchase or personal car loans, meaning that getting yourself a fuel-efficient car needn’t break the bank.
Thinking of financing a fuel-efficient car? Find out everything there is to know about car finance in our dedicated guide.
Regardless of what you drive, the way you drive can have a big impact on how much fuel you use. Here are our top tips for cutting down your fuel consumption:
Drive smoothly and avoid hard braking and acceleration.
Keep your tyres at the correct pressure: low pressure increases rolling resistance.
Get your car serviced regularly to keep your car performing at its best.
Don’t overload: extra weight reduces MPG.
Use cruise control on motorways to help maintain a constant speed.
Avoid running the engine while stationary and reduce aircon usage: both drain energy and consume more fuel.
Use eco-driving modes: many modern cars have them to optimise performance and economy.
Final thoughts
In 2025 there is more choice than ever for the fuel conscious driver – from economical diesels to ultra-frugal petrol hybrids. Whether your priority is saving money, reducing emissions, or both, there’s a fuel-efficient car out there to match your lifestyle.
Choosing the right one comes down to understanding your needs, your driving habits, and your access to charging points. Pair that with smarter driving habits, and you’ll be well on your way to greener, leaner motoring.
