Skip advert
Advertisement

The UK's most economical cars

We run 12 of the UK's most economical cars dry to see which travels furthest on the average fill up

The UK's most economical cars

Welcome to the most scientific Auto Express economy test ever! With pump price rises showing no sign of slowing, fuel efficiency is now a top priority for millions of motorists. But just how frugal are the latest fuel-sipping models? To find out, we put the most economical cars from six different sectors to the ultimate test.

We picked two of the most efficient superminis, family hatchbacks, SUVs, compact executives, seven-seaters and cabriolets. All 12 claim official combined fuel consumption in excess of 50mpg. But how far would they go on a £20 fill-up?

That's what we wanted to answer as we set off at a constant 60mph in each car. Plus, to see how they cope in town, we put them through an hour of simulated urban driving. Over three intensive days, our team drove 3,026 miles and spent more than 56 hours at the wheel. After using 230 litres of fuel, the results may surprise you...

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,510 off RRP*Used from £11,695
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,803 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,321 off RRP*Used from £12,220
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change
Protyre area manager Simon Hall inspecting a Vauxhall Corsa's tyre

Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change

The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories
News
12 May 2025
Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”
VW Golf GTI badge

Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”

VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development…
News
13 May 2025
Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future
Mazda MX-5 EV exclusive image - front

Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future

The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
10 May 2025