Compare the most economical petrol cars
High-quality economical petrol cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Most economical petrol cars of 2022
Petrol cars offer smooth and quiet driving characteristics, and many modern versions rival their diesel and hybrid counterparts when it comes to fuel economy. Here we have selected some of the most economical petrol cars on sale today.
1. Mazda 2 (60.1mpg)
carwow price from
£178* / month
(£16,515)
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.
2. Suzuki Swift (59.7mpg)
carwow price from
£161* / month
(£14,999)
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.
3. Kia Picanto (58.9mpg)
carwow price from
£180* / month
(£11,077)
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.
4. Volkswagen up! (55.2mpg)
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£187* / month
(£13,743)
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.
5. Renault Clio (54.4mpg)
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£197* / month
(£16,385)
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.
6. Ford Focus (54.3mpg)
carwow price from
£297* / month
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.
7. Mazda 3 (54.3mpg)
carwow price from
£223* / month
(£22,215)
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.
8. Ford Fiesta (53.3mpg)
carwow price from
£197* / month
(£16,908)
The Fiesta is great to drive, comes with plenty of equipment and is well-priced. Since both the base 75bhp and 100bhp petrol models offer 53.3mpg in combined driving, we would opt for the latter. It’s a bit short on luggage and rear passenger space, though.
9. Ford Puma (52.3mpg)
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£235* / month
(£21,725)
The Puma looks sharp, has a big boot and you won’t want for extra equipment. Thanks to its mild-hybrid petrol engine, the 125bhp version does 52mpg and is surprisingly nippy. Adults may find it a squeeze in the back, though, and the cabin is not quite as classy as some rivals.
10. Citroen C3 (52.3mpg)
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£177* / month
(£15,076)
For a comfortable and quiet ride allied with some quirky French styling, the Citroen C3 is a great choice. It doesn’t have the best infotainment system or the largest rear seats, but the 83bhp petrol engine offers an impressive 52.3mpg – great for cost-effective city driving duties.
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