Skip advert
Advertisement

Britain’s top penny pinchers

As the price of driving rises, we’re all looking to make our money go further – and by choosing a car with low running costs, buyers can save thousands. We name the best picks in five key classes...

There’s more to keeping your motoring costs down than buying a budget car. A low screen price could be a false economy if the model starts racking up the costs on the road.

Before signing on the dotted line, it pays to get a more accurate idea of how deep you’ll have to dig into your pockets over the life of the vehicle. And that’s where the pence-per-mile figure (ppm) comes in. Calculated over three years and 30,000 miles of motoring, this simple indicator includes all the major financial factors of car ownership, such as purchase price, depreciation, fuel economy, servicing and insurance.

So, what are the most piggy bank-friendly new vehicles on sale in the UK? To find out, we’ve selected five models from the most popular sectors – city car, supermini, family hatch, large car and compact SUV. Our winners all serve up the lowest running costs using the official ppm formula. They aren’t necessarily the cheapest to buy – rivals might be hundreds of pounds less – yet our picks won’t set you back as much long-term.

But will saving money be satisfying? To find out, we’ve also judged our ppm champs on the road. Can they prove that by cutting costs, you don’t have to miss out on desirability, fun and creature comforts?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,591
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,172
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025