Top 10: Most economical petrol Real MPG cars
If you're after economy, the default choice needn't be to choose a diesel. This is especially true for drivers who only cover small distances or do lots of short journeys.
We've analysed our data from Real MPG to find which current petrol cars are the best when it comes to returning real life fuel economy. All these figures are taken from June 2018 - but Real MPG is a live datatbase - so will change over time. We also used a cut off of at least 50 submissions.
Suzuki Celerio 1.0 - 61.9mpg
It might not be the most exhilarating of drives, but no other petrol car can come close to the Suzuki Celerio for real world fuel economy. Indeed, according to Real MPG submissions, the peppy 1.0-litre petrol returns 94 per cent of its advertised economy, which equates to a superb 61.9mpg. Opt for the automatic and that figure rises to almost 64mpg.
Skoda Citigo 1.0 60 Greentech - 60.3mpg
The 1.0-litre Skoda Citigo is another petrol that outperforms the majority of the opposition for Real MPG. The 60PS GreenTech has been designed to shave fuel costs to the bone, with weight savings and low-rolling resistance tyres. However, the cabin remains upmarket, which means you don’t have to scrimp on quality to enjoy 60mpg motoring.
Volkswagen Up 1.0 60 - 54.7mpg
Given it is mechanically identical to the Skoda Citigo, it shouldn’t be a shock to see the Volkswagen Up also scoring highly for Real MPG. Again it’s the 1.0-litre 60PS petrol engine, but minus the weight savings, which explains why the Up averages closer to 55mpg.
Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i - 53.5mpg
Easy to drive and backed by Toyota’s comprehensive five-year-warranty, the small but capable Aygo will return almost 80 per cent of its advertised economy. In real world terms that equates to 53.5mpg with the manual gearbox or 52.6mpg with the automatic. Either way, it’s great value from a brilliant little car.
Honda Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC - 53.1mpg
Few compact hatchbacks can rival the Honda Jazz for practicality. It also takes top trumps for Real MPG, with the 1.3 i-VTEC returning an amazing 97 per cent. On-the-road, that means 53.1mpg or better with the manual gearbox, or 50.2mpg with the addition of the CVT.
Fiat 500C 0.9 TwinAir 85 - 49.5mpg
Proof that you can have the convertible lifestyle without a huge budget, the Fiat 500C petrol is terrific value with the 0.9 TwinAir returning 49.5mpg on-the-road. Despite the retro design, the little Fiat is comfortable and modern, with a powered cloth roof and punchy turbocharged engine. If you like the 500 and want to enjoy soft-top motoring it’s easy to recommend the 500C.
Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90 - 49.4mpg
Another Skoda and another impressive set of Real MPG scores, this time for the Fabia and the 1.2 TSI 90. On average this four-cylinder unit returns 49.4mpg or better, with a Real MPG score of 82 per cent. Factor in Fabia’s huge boot, supple ride quality and comfortable cabin and it’s easy to see why the Skoda hatch is still a huge hit with car buyers.
Fiat Panda 1.2 - 49.2mpg
If you’re in the market for a no-nonsense hatchback with honest fuel economy then the Fiat Panda could be the car for you. Practical and fun, the Italian hatchback provides generous headroom for six footers. Its 1.2 petrol engine will also return 49.2mpg, which is 89 per cent of what Fiat claims.
Hyundai i10 1.0 - 49.0mpg
HonestJohn.co.uk readers love the Hyundai i10. Over the years it’s scored a hatful of awards, with owners praising it for its comfort, reliability and value. When it comes to Real MPG, the 1.0 petrol is the engine to go for. On average it will return 49mpg or better on-the-road.
See Real MPG for the Hyundai i10
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 - 48.1mpg
When it comes to Real MPG, the most honest Volkswagen Golf you can buy is the 1.4 TSI. The 122PS petrol engine returns 48.1mpg or better on-the-road, which comes to 89 per cent of its official fuel economy. And at the opposite end of the scale? That’ll be the 1.2 TSI 105 DSG, which returns just 36.2mpg - a mere 64 per cent of its advertised economy.
