Top 10 fuel-efficient cars

The efficiency of cars is fast becoming one of the most important factors when buying a car, especially when fuel prices are so unpredictable.

Even in the last 20 years, cars have become much more economical – now we expect the top end economic models to be well over 80mpg whereas back then, 30mpg would have been impressive.

The official standardised economy tests give a good idea of fuel-efficiency but they don’t take into account weather conditions, driving style and traffic – all of which can have an impact on the real-life fuel-efficiency of a car.

We’ve compiled a list of the top ten most fuel-efficient cars, based on reviews by Auto Express, Car Buyer and What Car?:

 Top 10 fuel-efficient cars 

1. Peugeot 208 1.6 BlueHDi – 94.2mpg
2. Peugeot 308 1.6 Blue HDi – 91.1mpg
3. Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi – 88.3mpg
4. Ford Fiesta ECOnetic – 88.3mpg
5. Renault Clio 1.5 dCi – 88.3mpg
6. Hyundai i20 1.1 CRDi Blue S – 88.3mpg
7. Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 16V ecoFLEX – 86.5mpg
8. Citroen C4 1.6 BlueHDi Feel – 85.6mpg
9. Vauxhall Corsa 1.3-litre CDTi ecoFLEX – 85.6mpg
10. Seat Leon 1.6 TDI 110 Ecomotive – 78.5mpg

Considerations for cost-effectiveness
While better fuel-efficiency definitely means your car running costs are lower, it doesn’t always mean improved cost-effectiveness. Be sure to also consider purchase cost, the number of miles you’ll be driving and the cost of repairs.

Small petrol cars are perfect as little city run arounds but aren’t very comfy for family trips or long distance driving, while diesel engines are usually more expensive they can be more economical for covering long distances on the motorway.

Currently, electric and hybrid cars are some of the cheapest to run, but they’re not very practical if you’re driving long distances and need to refuel quickly, wherever you are.

If you’re looking to buy a fuel-efficient car this summer make sure you take everything into consideration.