The most fuel-efficient petrol, diesel and hybrid cars you can buy in 2024

Fuel economy has always been a prime consideration among car buyers, but the cost of living crisis has exacerbated its importance. With prices predicted to stay high, there has never been a better time to look at reducing consumption.

For some buyers, the solution will be a switch to an electric car. But of course, that doesn’t work for everyone – for those who lack a driveway, for example, or for whom the public charging infrastructure can’t quite deliver the reliability they require.

So for many sticking with petrol or diesel is the only way. And that means hours of combing through facts and figures trying to work out which cars are the most economical.

Except you don’t have to do that, because we’ve done it for you. Below are the 10 most fuel-efficient petrol, diesel and hybrid cars you can buy in Britain right now.

They are ranked according to their official WLTP combined fuel consumption figures; while these probably won’t accurately reflect what you’ll achieve in the real world, they allow meaningful comparison since they’re obtained under the same predefined test conditions.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have been excluded because while they boast fabulous official figures these are wholly dependent on how much charge they have and, therefore, how often they’re plugged in. Great if you have somewhere to do so – not so much if you haven’t.

And if you remain concerned about fuel prices and availability in the UK in the future, these are the cars that should be on your list to try.

Best fuel-efficient cars

Vauxhall Corsa

There’s something to be said for the fact that the Corsa is going great guns while its long-time nemesis, the Ford Fiesta, was withdrawn last year. One of the most fuel-efficient new cars on sale (thanks to its hybrid powertrain), the Corsa shows it is still possible to sell a frugal, affordable, popular small car and to make money doing so. Now that Ford has ceded its share of the market, the Corsa is the go-to option in this class. No wonder; it’s a slick machine that, thanks to this hybrid powertrain, offers super low running costs.

• Most economical version: 1.2 Hybrid 100 Design

• Official fuel economy: 62.8mpg

• List price: £25,500

Toyota Yaris Cross

Want a small SUV, but want it to be reliable and economical above all? The Yaris Cross is probably your top choice. It’s almost as fuel-efficient as the best cars of its type, but in addition, it’s also backed by Toyota’s impressive record for durability – not to mention a whopping warranty. As a result, you can probably forgive the fact that its interior feels a bit tight – while it isn’t quite as practical as some of its best rivals. On the road, it won’t set your world alight, but the Yaris Cross is still perfectly competent – and it will prove extraordinarily cheap to run.

• Most economical version: Icon Hybrid

• Official fuel economy: 62.8mpg

• List price: £25,530

Honda Jazz

There are few questions the Jazz can’t answer. With its versatile, roomy interior, high-quality finish, compact dimensions and generous equipment, there’s no wonder it’s the vehicle of choice for easy, fuss-free motoring. It’s also one of the most frugal cars on sale – although as more and more hybrid small cars come on sale, it’s gradually moving down the pecking order. However, the Jazz still offers the sort of versatility and pragmatism few rivals can match.

• Most economical version: Advance

• Fuel economy: 62.8mpg

• List price: £26,885

Citroën C3 Aircross

With diesel having been phased out in most small cars, it might come as a surprise to discover that Citroën still sells a C3 Aircross with a diesel engine. This little SUV’s diminutive dimensions make it town-friendly, while its plush seating and soft ride make it extremely comfortable. It’s also roomy and eye-catching to look at, inside and out. Modern diesel engines aren’t best suited to purely urban work, so if you’re tempted by one make sure you plan a longer journey every week or two, to help keep the particulate filter clean.

• Most economical version: 1.5 BlueHDi 110 Max

• Fuel economy: 64.0mpg

• List price: £22,550

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is the car in which Toyota’s commitment to development of hybrid powertrains has come good. Here, in short, is a sensible, family-sized hatchback or estate that delivers near-diesel levels of fuel economy, with the price difference between the two fuels helping to mitigate what little disparity there is. There are few cheaper ways of getting your family around than a Corolla – and given that the rest of the car is immensely likeable, with a composed ride, neat handling, an exemplary reliability record and a generously-specified, well built interior, that makes it a class leader.

• Most economical version: Icon Hybrid

• Fuel economy: 64.1mpg

• List price: £30,505

Suzuki Swift

That the Swift gets this far up the list isn’t only thanks to its mild hybrid powertrain. It’s also light, cleverly engineered and equipped with a petrol engine that sips fuel. The plus points don’t end there – with its low price and generous equipment, the Swift is cheap to buy, as well as to run. That’s not to mention its terrific value. Surprisingly, the Swift is also great fun to drive too, making it a car that won’t simply please the head, but the heart too.

• Most economical version: Mild Hybrid Motion

• Official fuel economy: 64.2mpg

• List price: £18,699

Kia Niro Hybrid

If you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient SUV, you’ve found it. The Niro Hybrid is the most frugal car in its class and even beats several smaller SUVs to the punch – pretty impressive when you consider it has sufficient interior space for a family of four (or even five, at a push), a fulsome equipment list and eye-catching styling. Granted, the driving experience won’t set your heart pounding – it sets out to be a highly sensible car and it fits that bill entirely.

• Most economical version: 1.6 GDi Hybrid 2

• Official fuel economy: 64.2mpg

• List price: £30,085

Peugeot 208

There was a time that the Peugeot 208 topped this table thanks to its super-frugal diesel engine. That has been replaced by a hybrid powertrain that’s part-way between mild and full hybrids, which isn’t quite as frugal as the diesel but which suits the car’s urban brief somewhat better. The 208 is still the same chic, sharp-suited small car it ever was; hampered by cramped rear seats, but endowed with one of the nicest driver environments of any small car.

• Most economical version: Active Hybrid 100 E-DSC6

• Official fuel economy: 65.9mpg

• List price: £23,760

Renault Clio

A recent facelift brought not only sharpened styling, giving the Clio an upmarket air on the outside as well as on the inside, but also boosted its economy. Inside it’s as plush as ever and while the rear seats are a little cramped, the boot is enormous. To get the best economy, you need to choose the E-Tech Hybrid, though that’s no hardship given it’s relaxing to drive and capable whether you’re zipping around town or taking a longer trip.

• Most economical version: E-Tech Hybrid 140 Auto Evolution

• Official fuel economy: 67.3mpg

• List price: £18,095

Toyota Yaris/Mazda 2

There’s a reason why the Yaris was 2021’s European Car of the Year. In fact, there are several, but one of the most important is that its brilliant petrol hybrid powertrain blesses it with the best fuel economy. Unlike its predecessor, though, this Yaris isn’t dull; it looks great inside and out and feels good to drive, as does its badge-engineered sibling, the Mazda 2 Hybrid, which is identical but for a few detail tweaks. What you don’t get with the Mazda, however, is Toyota’s industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years.

• Most economical version: Hybrid Icon

• Official fuel economy: 70.6mpg

• List price: £22,640

This article is kept updated with the latest advice.