Compare the most economical petrol cars
High-quality economical petrol cars from rated and reviewed dealers
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.
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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.
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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.
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What's good
What’s not so good
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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
