The best fuel-efficient petrol cars you can buy in 2022

With the cost of living spiralling, it’s no wonder more and more car buyers are making fuel economy their top priority. In the past, that meant choosing a diesel model, but with diesels now falling out of favour, many more buyers are opting for petrol instead.

The obvious question to ask, therefore, is: can one get an economical petrol car to avoid having to choose a diesel? The answer is yes – though even the most fuel-efficient petrol engines can’t quite match up to the best diesels. Mind you, you might be surprised just how close they can get.

You’ll see what we mean when you read this count-down of the top 10 most fuel-efficient pure petrol models on sale in the UK today. We’ve ranked them by their official WLTP combined fuel consumption figures; while these might not reflect what you’ll be actually able to get out of these cars on the road, they do at least allow for comparison, as they’re all obtained under the same test conditions.

We’ve also excluded plug-in hybrids, because while they boast impressive official figures, these are entirely dependent on how much charge they have and, therefore, how frequently they’re plugged in. We’ve left out full hybrids, too – look out for a similar article devoted specifically to these coming soon – but we’ve included mild hybrids, because this more basic hybrid technology is now standard on many petrol cars.

So if petrol is your fuel of choice, but you want to maximise your fuel efficiency, then settle back, grab a warm beverage, and allow us to count down the most economical petrol cars on sale today.

Most fuel-efficient petrol cars

10. Skoda Fabia

The Fabia is the definition of a sensible small car, with lots of space, a comfortable ride and a well-made interior. Granted, it lacks sparkle – the plastics inside are all rather dour, and the handling is neutral and crisp rather than involving – but the Fabia’s common-sense usability and practicality make it a brilliant way of getting around. What’s more, even in its most efficient form you get a gutsy little turbocharged engine that makes it a doddle to drive.

Most economical version: 1.0 TSI 95 SE Comfort

Fuel economy: 55.7mpg

List price: from £18,350

7=. Mazda 3 Saloon

It is to Mazda’s credit that the 3 makes this list. After all, every other car here is a small car with a little engine – yet the 3 is a smart, family-sized saloon with a comparatively vast power figure. That shows you just how clever its engine is, combining mild hybrid power and an electric supercharger to eke out incredible fuel economy. Interestingly, this body style is more efficient than the hatchback version, which falls just outside our Top 10, but no matter which model you choose, the 3 is beautifully finished inside, and it feels great to drive. The only downside is that that engine doesn’t actually feel all that powerful in use – you have to really rev it to get the best from it.

Most economical version: 2.0 e-Skyactiv X 186 SE-L Lux Saloon

Fuel economy: 56.5mpg

List price: from £26,265

7=. Hyundai i10

Hyundai’s tiddler is one of the most complete city cars on the market, with a smart cockpit, plenty of space, and a decent-sized boot. That it’s also really quite enjoyable to drive is the icing on the cake. This version even comes with a few basic necessities, and there’s a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty thrown in. Granted, the 1.0-litre engine in its least powerful form is a bit of a slowcoach – but if you’re after a cheap and cheerful urban runaround, it’s hard to beat.

Most economical version: 1.0 MPI 67 SE

Fuel economy: 56.5mpg

List price: from £13,430

7=. Ford Fiesta

Ford’s mild hybrid technology pays dividends here, because not only is the Fiesta one of the most efficient small cars on sale in the UK today, but it’s the second most powerful in this list. That means you get all the benefit of its brilliantly punchy little turbocharged engine, while also keeping your fuel bills to a minimum. Add to that the Fiesta’s delightful handling and comfortable ride, and a generous equipment list, and this is easily one of the most satisfying ways there is to save money.

Most economical version: 1.0T Ecoboost 125 MHEV Titanium

Fuel economy: 56.5mpg

List price: from £22,015

6. Peugeot 208

The latest 208 is one of the most stylish small cars on sale today, both inside and out. Not only does it turn heads on the street with its neat profile and smart lighting, but when you climb aboard, you’re greeted with an upmarket-looking dashboard replete with neat design cues. Its 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is sweet, too, and with slick handling, it makes the 208 pretty good fun to drive, even if it isn’t ultimately as grin-inducing as the Fiesta.

Most economical version: 1.2 Puretech 100 Active Premium

Fuel economy: 56.7mpg