As the cost of living continues to be uncomfortably high, you may well be looking for a new car that’s one of the most economical cars on the market. That doesn’t necessarily mean switching to electric either, as there are still lots of internal combustion-powered cars that return very high fuel economy.
Here, we’re going to look at the top ten most efficient cars available to buy new in the UK right now. The list is based on the best average miles-per-gallon a car can return, according to the official WLTP figures. We’re using ‘best case’ figures that don’t take account of the effect optional extras like different wheels have on MPG.
The list is dominated by small hybrids. Though there’s a couple of SUVs and even a diesel estate. We haven’t included plug-in hybrids or electric cars because their efficiency is measured differently.
We also have a list of the most economical SUVs you can buy that you may want to check out.
Top 10 most economical cars 2024
Toyota-based self-charging supermini is the efficiency champion
The Mazda hasn’t received the engine and interior updates recently rolled out across the Yaris range. But it’s very much like its counterpart – smooth and quiet to drive, well equipped, undemanding to own, spacious up front but not in the back. It’s rather pricey, as well.
To find out more, read our full Mazda 2 review
Pros
- It’ll cost very little to run
- Should be as reliable as Toyota counterpart
- And as easy to drive
Cons
- High list price
- Lacks its own identity
The masters of hybrid deliver a very efficient supermini
The Yaris still looks fresh and funky despite its familiarity. The interior isn’t up to the same mark as some rivals – despite a recent update – but it’s user-friendly, built solidly and you get plenty of tech. Back seat and boot space aren’t especially generous, though.
To find out more, read our full Toyota Yaris review
Pros
- Excellent dealer support
- Good to drive
- Industry-leading warranty
Cons
- Uninspiring interior
- Sub-par practicality
Hybrid supermini impresses with interior and performance
The Clio’s petrol engine is rough when accelerating but quiet at a cruise. The interior is first-rate, perhaps a little dull looking but logically laid out and very well made from high quality materials. Passenger space is sufficient rather than generous, the batteries eat into boot space but it’s still pretty big for a supermini.
To find out more, read our full Renault Clio review
Pros
- Punchy acceleration
- Refinement
- Great interior
Cons
- Gearbox can be lethargic
- Not the sharpest handler
Brilliant, high-tech interior enhances this wallet-friendly hatchback
Elsewhere, the recently facelifted 208 remains as stylish and characterful as ever. It drives neatly and rides smoothly, but it’s the interior that’s the highlight. It’s the technological tour de force of the supermini class with a brilliant 3D digital display that shows vital stats like speed in front of the windscreen. But the split-level dashboard creates a driving position that can be awkward for some drivers.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot 208 review
Pros
- Stylish and desirable
- Very refined on the motorway
- Good to drive
Cons
- Rear legroom is tight
- Infotainment can be fiddly
Mile-munching family hatchback has very long range
It's worth noting that the 150hp diesel is only 2.5mpg behind and we suspect that, in the real world, it'll be the more efficient of the two. That's because the 116hp version has to work quite hard to maintain high speed and haul along a heavy load of passengers and luggage.
To find out more, read our full Skoda Octavia review
Pros
- So relaxing to drive
- Loads of passenger, boot space
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- 116hp diesel is short on muscle
- And it's rather noisy
There's life yet in small diesel estates
It might seem odd that the Golf Estate is more efficient than the smaller hatchback version, but it's longer body is more aerodynamic. The 115hp diesel isn't the smoothest or quietest engine, and it can struggle to haul a heavy load. As such, the more powerful 150hp diesel may prove to be more economical in real world – its WLTP numbers are only a couple of MPG off.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen Golf Estate review
Pros
- Sharp and satisfying to drive
- Very strong practicality
- User-friendly infotainment
Cons
- It's deeply unfashionable
- Not the smoothest of engines
All-new supermini is fast and frugal
It’s pretty spacious, very well equipped and comes with a seven-year warranty, it’s quiet on the road and even quite satisfying to drive. The star of the show, though, is the hybrid powertrain. With up to 194hp, it’s not just efficient – it’s nearly hot-hatch-fast, too.
To find out more, read our full MG3 Hybrid review
Pros
- Great value
- Lots of power
- Usefully spacious
Cons
- Interior quality issues
- Wheels look too small
Lots of space and a grown-up interior in a diddy car
The Swift’s interior is a pleasant place to while away a journey – it’s comfortable and there’s loads of standard equipment. It’s rather amusing to drive, as well, though with only 82hp on tap it’s hardly fast.
To find out more, read out full Suzuki Swift review
Pros
- Light and nimble to drive
- Surprisingly spacious
- Well equipped
Cons
- Leisurely performance
- Laggy touchscreen
Family-size SUV with low running costs and a long warranty
It’s an undemanding car to drive that rides smoothly and handles neatly enough. The engine is vocal under heavy throttle but settles into the background at a cruise. Build quality and reliability are top-notch and you’re backed up by Kia’s seven-year warranty.
To find out more, read our full Kia Niro review
Pros
- Spacious interior and boot
- Feels very robust
- Long warranty
Cons
- Loud engines
- Less than plush interior
An appealing small SUV with capable hybrid tech
The appeal of the Yaris Cross goes beyond its economy and fine driving manners. It's also very reliable, has a ten-year warranty and plenty of space – though the interior isn’t as imaginative as in some rivals. It costs more, as well.
To find out more, read our Yaris Cross review
Pros
- Impressive warranty and reliability
- Excellent hybrid technology
- Drives well
Cons
- Interior isn't interesting
- Not much in the way of charm
Sensible and economical transport
The Corolla isn’t the most practical car of its type, but it’s smartly styled, comfortable, quiet and as easy to drive as you’d expect of a Toyota. It’s even pretty adept on a country road. Throw in generous standard equipment and Toyota’s stellar 10-year warranty, and there’s a lot to recommend it.
To find out more, read our full Toyota Corolla review
Pros
- Economical in real-world conditions
- Priorities EV mode
- Fuss-free ownership experience
Cons
- Dull to drive
- Limited rear room