Seat Arona

Renault Symbioz

Toyota Prius

Volvo EX90

Kia EV6

Maserati GranTurismo

Ford Puma

Hyundai Santa Fe

real-mpg-most-economical-cars-you-can-buy-new

Buying a new car can be an expensive undertaking, so the last thing you want is to discover your purchase isn’t as frugal as you’d been led to believe.

Official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-are-wltp-and-rde-new-fuel-tests-explained/n1223">WLTP</a>&nbsp;fuel economy test results can often be misleading – a belief supported by recent high-level EU reports which suggest some models’ figures are up to 23% higher than what’s achievable in real-world use. That’s why we conduct our own&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/real-mpg-calculator">Real MPG</a>&nbsp;efficiency tests.

Here, we reveal the 10 most frugal – and three thirstiest – of the petrol, diesel and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a>&nbsp;cars we’ve tested which you can still buy today.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Real MPG: most economical cars you can buy new

Hatchback

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

WLTP MPG&nbsp;42.7mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;50.9mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;45.0mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;44.9mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;65.3mpg

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3/hatchback/review/n17364">Citroën C3 Origin</a>&nbsp;small hatchback is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy in the UK, and running costs should be similarly low. In fact, the 1.2 Puretech 83 version’s Real MPG average of 50.9mpg beats its WLTP result by 19.2% – the most of any car here, and it's more frugal around town than the equivalent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto</a>. You’ll need to work it hard to get up to motorway speeds, though, and doing so will hurt its efficiency.

Inside, the C3 Origin looks stylish, with faux-leather door pull handles and a mixture of textures helping to lift perceived quality. However, rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>&nbsp;feel plusher and more robust.

Anyone above average height will find the rear seats tight for space, but the boot is a decent size. Five carry-on suitcases can fit below the C3’s parcel shelf – two more than the&nbsp;Picanto can manage, but one fewer than you’ll get into a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>.

Entry-level C3 Origins don’t come with much kit, but our recommended Plus trim gets most of the things you’re likely to want, including a rear-view camera and climate control.

10: Citroën C3 Origin 1.2 Puretech 83

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Decently equipped</li>
	<li>Stylish interior</li>
	<li>Efficient engines</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor to drive</li>
	<li>AEB is not standard on lower trims</li>
	<li>Cramped rear seats</li>
</ul>

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

JAZZ

WLTP MPG&nbsp;61.4mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;51.6mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;66.0mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;38.9mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;69.4mpg

If you mainly drive in the city, a hybrid like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a> makes a lot of sense, because its electric motors and 1.5-litre petrol engine can work most efficiently at lower speeds. The facts back this up; its urban Real MPG figure of 66.0mpg is significantly better than those of all the non-hybrids featured here.

Unlike some of those cars, the Jazz doesn’t run out of puff when you venture on to faster roads, easily keeping pace with motorway traffic. It’s comfortable, too, being less floaty over bumps than the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3/hatchback/review/n17364">Citroën C3 Origin</a>.

While the Jazz is perfectly decent to drive, you’ll be more impressed with how spacious and practical it is inside. No matter which seat you’re in, you’ll have lots of room to stretch out, while its rear seat bases can be flipped like those of an old-school theatre, so you can store long or tall items across the width of the car. That’s assuming you’ve managed to fill the Jazz’s boot, which is large by small car standards.

The Jazz costs more to buy than most rivals, but our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-target-price/n1433">Target Price</a>&nbsp;discounts help&nbsp;to soften the blow.

9:  Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Spacious interior with flexible rear seats</li>
	<li>Lots of standard equipment</li>
	<li>Slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very pricey by small car standards</li>
	<li>Not the quietest cruiser</li>
	<li>Some rivals are more fun</li>
</ul>

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

PICANTO

WLTP MPG&nbsp;58.9mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;51.7mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;42.0mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;48.0mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;64.9mpg

As well as&nbsp;being the cheapest car on this list, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto</a> should be very cheap to run. Its real MPG result of 51.7mpg puts it between its closest cheap small car rivals, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3/hatchback/review/n17364">Citroën C3 Origin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/aygo-x/hatchback/review/n24132">Toyota Aygo X</a>.

However, as with both of those cars, this version’s petrol engine is quite underpowered – meaning you’ll need to work it hard when you’re joining the motorway or overtaking on faster roads. Indeed, the 0-60mph sprint took a pedestrian 14.9sec in our acceleration test.

The Picanto has relatively firm suspension, but its ride is rarely uncomfortable and it won’t jostle you around on undulating country roads in the way that some rivals will. Plus, that firm set-up helps it to corner better than most rivals, the Picanto resisting body lean through bends better than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a>.

Despite its size, the Picanto is reasonably spacious inside, and a couple of six-footers won’t complain about being in the rear seats, provided the journey isn’t too long. You can fit more into the Picanto’s boot than you can into the Aygo X’s, too.

8: Kia Picanto 1.0 DPi

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Really tidy handling</li>
	<li>Frugal 1.0 MPi petrol engine</li>
	<li>Excellent infotainment and equipment on 3 trim</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>1.0 MPi petrol engine isn't very quick</li>
	<li>Firm(ish) low-speed ride</li>
	<li>A Dacia Sandero is much roomier</li>
</ul>

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

WLTP MPG&nbsp;56.5mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;51.9mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;47.0mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;47.2mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;62.1mpg

The 1.5-litre petrol engine in this version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/2/hatchback/review/n95">Mazda 2</a>&nbsp;– like the unit in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/review/n17225">Suzuki Ignis</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;benefits from mild-hybrid technology, meaning the engine receives small amounts of electrical assistance to aid performance and fuel economy. It’s not enough to allow the 2 to move under electric power alone, but it should help to lower your fuel bills; a theory supported by its 51.9mpg Real MPG score.

With 114bhp, this is the most powerful engine in the 2 line-up, so it feels pleasantly peppy, especially around town, but it’s available only with range-topping Homura Aka trim. At least that means all of your kit needs will be covered.

Soft-touch materials and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob help to lift the feel of the 2’s interior, but it isn’t as classy inside as the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a>. While there’s enough space for two average-sized adults to sit comfortably in the rear seats, they don’t get a great view out, because the Mazda’s rising window line can make that section of the car feel dark and claustrophobic.

7: Mazda 2 e-Skyactiv-G 115

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Frugal economy from mild-hybrid engines</li>
	<li>Infotainment system is easy to use</li>
	<li>Even entry-level trim is well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor refinement</li>
	<li>Small boot</li>
	<li>Gutless performance from all but the range–topping engine</li>
</ul>

Saloon

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

WLTP MPG&nbsp;53.3mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;52.2mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;45.6mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;46.2mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;67.0mpg

Driving a diesel car like this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a>&nbsp;may be about as frowned upon as chain-smoking in a kindergarten nowadays, but if you’re going to be clocking up lots of miles, they can still make a lot of sense – especially when you consider the discounts available through our free&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a>&nbsp;service.

And with this particular version, your trips to the petrol station&nbsp;need not weigh on your conscience, or your wallet. That's right, this practical and classy executive saloon returned the same average Real MPG score as&nbsp;the much, much smaller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/aygo-x/hatchback/review/n24132">Toyota Aygo X</a>.

In even better news, this 160bhp 35 TDI diesel is our pick of the A4’s engine line-up, offering plenty of low-down pulling power along with decent pace; the 0-62mph sprint takes a respectable 8.2sec.

The suspension set-up depends on the trim level, but the A4 is generally better at soaking up bumps and potholes than its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a>&nbsp;rival. And while the latter is more enjoyable along a country road, the A4 still handles well, with precise, well-weighted steering.

No version of the A4 is sparsely equipped, and the interior feels properly premium. High-quality materials cover every surface you touch, and the buttons and dials feel like they’d survive a nuclear winter.

6: Audi A4 35 TDI

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Class-leading interior quality</li>
	<li>Smooth engines</li>
	<li>Well-equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Entry-level engines are a touch weedy</li>
	<li>A BMW 3 Series is more fun to drive</li>
	<li>You can’t add many options</li>
</ul>

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

AYGO X

WLTP MPG&nbsp;58.9mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;52.2mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;42.6mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;48.0mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;66.7mpg

SUVs are all the rage these days, so it’s understandable that Toyota would treat its smallest car, the Aygo, to some rufty-tufty body cladding and a raised ride height to create the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/aygo-x/hatchback/review/n24132">Toyota Aygo X</a>. Beyond those go-anywhere looks, however, is a highly efficient petrol engine. True, performance is leisurely (0-60mph took 14.9sec in our test), but when you factor in all the costs of ownership, including&nbsp;depreciation, the Aygo X starts to look like a pretty cheap ownership proposition next to its closest rivals.

There is one caveat, though;&nbsp;small cars and SUVs usually cover most of their miles around town, yet it's there that the Aygo X is at its least frugal, meaning it could cost you around twice as much to run as its big siblings, the Yaris and Yaris Cross.

The Aygo X handles neatly through bends, and its tight turning circle makes low-speed manoeuvring a breeze. However, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>&nbsp;is a much better choice if you want sharp handling.

Most rivals make more sense if you’ll regularly be carrying rear passengers, too. The Aygo X offers only two rear seats, where the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a>&nbsp;has three, and the little Toyota’s boot is small, even by the standards of the class.

5: Toyota Aygo X 1.0 Petrol

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cheap to run</li>
	<li>Good level of safety kit</li>
	<li>Warranty of up to 10 years</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cramped in the back</li>
	<li>Smaller boot than rivals</li>
	<li>Lacklustre performance</li>
</ul>

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

IBIZA

WLTP MPG&nbsp;55.1mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;54.0mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;45.1mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;48.8mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;69.4mpg

This petrol version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>&nbsp;is the most efficient car here that doesn’t have any form of electrical assistance. Its 94bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre engine returned an average Real MPG figure that was just 2% adrift of its official WLTP result, although the Ibiza still fell&nbsp;almost 6mpg behind the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/review/n17225">Suzuki Ignis</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a>&nbsp;overall.

The Ibiza is more than just frugal, though; it’s also a hoot to drive. With a 0-60mph sprint time of 9.8sec, it has no trouble keeping up with traffic on faster roads. Plus, with little body lean through bends and sweet steering that offers a good sense of connection to the front wheels, the Ibiza is one of the best-handling small cars you can buy.

You sit fairly low behind the wheel, with controls that fall easily to hand and generally feel built to last. The quality of the materials impresses, too, with squidgy plastic to the top of the dashboard and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, handbrake and gearknob, and all versions come with a reasonable amount of equipment.

4: Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI 95

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great to drive</li>
	<li>Roomy by class standards</li>
	<li>Strong TSI petrol engines</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lots of road noise</li>
	<li>Resale values could be better</li>
	<li>Firm ride in FR versions</li>
</ul>

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

IGNIS

WLTP MPG&nbsp;56.9mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;59.9mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;51.3mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;53.3mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;74.8mpg

The 1.2-litre&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/review/n17225">Suzuki Ignis</a>&nbsp;is so efficient in real-world use that it actually beat&nbsp;its official figure by around 5%. And although&nbsp;it isn't a full hybrid (rather a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild hybrid</a>), the Ignis only just missed out on a second-place finish, and&nbsp;is the more frugal choice for those who regularly venture beyond urban streets.

Plus, the electrical assistance provided by the mild-hybrid set-up helps the Ignis to feel quicker than its modest 82bhp power output would suggest.

Despite its chunky looks, the Ignis isn’t as spacious as rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kamiq/hatchback/review/n19999">Skoda Kamiq</a>. However, if you view the Ignis as a rival to small cars like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto</a>, it’s better than those models at carrying four passengers.

Don’t expect the Ignis to be thrilling to drive; its slow steering is inconsistently weighted and the car leans over more in corners than some rivals. However, it undercuts most other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">small SUVs</a>&nbsp;on price, and it comes very well equipped. You can even specify it with four-wheel drive if you live somewhere that suffers regularly from slippery roads, although you could reasonably expect that to come at the expense of economy.

3: Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good fuel economy</li>
	<li>Spacious for a small car</li>
	<li>Generous equipment</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Ride can be fidgety</li>
	<li>Vague steering</li>
	<li>Poor infotainment system</li>
</ul>

YARIS

WLTP MPG&nbsp;68.8mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;59.9mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;80.0mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;46.7mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;74.1mpg

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a>&nbsp;combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors that allow it to cover short distances on battery power alone.

It outperformed its SUV sibling, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris-cross/estate/review/n23440">Toyota&nbsp;Yaris Cross</a>, on the motorway and rural sections of the test, while still returning 80mpg around town.

The ride is firm enough to jostle you around in your seat more than a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>&nbsp;would, but the Yaris handles fairly well, resisting body lean through bends and offering decent grip.

There’s a reasonable amount of space up front, but the rear seats are cramped for taller passengers, plus the boot is relatively small.

As a cash buy, the Yaris is pricier than most other small cars, but it counters with slow predicted depreciation. And as with any&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/toyota">Toyota</a>, you can expect the Yaris to be a paragon of reliability.

2: Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Excellent real-world fuel economy</li>
	<li>Toyota's reliability record</li>
	<li>Slow predicted depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Firm ride, especially on higher-spec models with bigger wheels</li>
	<li>Poor rear passenger space</li>
	<li>So-so interior quality</li>
</ul>

Estate

YARIS CROSS

WLTP MPG&nbsp;62.7mpg |&nbsp;Real MPG Average&nbsp;60.1mpg |&nbsp;Town&nbsp;103.3mpg |&nbsp;Motorway&nbsp;45.5mpg |&nbsp;Rural&nbsp;70.5mpg

It should come as no surprise that Toyota – which introduced the world to hybrid power with the original&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/prius/hatchback/used-review/n824">Prius</a>&nbsp;back in 1997 – still leads the way when it comes to efficiency. Indeed, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris-cross/estate/review/n23440">Toyota Yaris Cross</a> is the only car we’ve tested to have recorded triple-digit economy in the town portion of our test. Factor in impressive (if not class-leading) results in the other two sections, and you end up with a seriously frugal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">small SUV</a>.

The Yaris Cross has one electric motor to supplement its 1.5-litre petrol engine, but the two power sources work well together – even though the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">CVT</a>&nbsp;automatic gearbox tends to send the engine’s revs flaring raucously when you put your foot down.

While it’s not as agile to drive as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a>, the Yaris Cross rides and handles capably enough to suit most buyers’ everyday driving needs. It deals well with bumps and potholes and stays reasonably upright through corners.

An elevated driving position makes you feel like you’re in a proper SUV, and everything inside feels sturdy and able to stand up to the rigours of family life, although rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/countryman/hatchback/review/n71">Mini Countryman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/juke/hatchback/review/n45">Nissan Juke</a>&nbsp;feel more upmarket.

Cash buyers will find that the Yaris Cross is priced roughly in line with the Puma, but thanks to that hybrid system and its resulting lower CO2 emissions, it will be cheaper to run as a company car.

1: Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very efficient</li>
	<li>Lofty driving position</li>
	<li>Uncluttered dashboard is easy to use</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Could be more spacious in the back seats</li>
	<li>Vocal engine when accelerating</li>
	<li>Not as fun to drive as the Ford Puma</li>
</ul>

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

ATECA

WLTP MPG&nbsp;31.4mpg | Real MPG Average&nbsp;28.5mpg | Town&nbsp;23.1mpg | Motorway&nbsp;26.9mpg | Rural&nbsp;35.0mpg

This range-topping sporty <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969">Cupra Ateca</a> is seriously quick and handles well, but its Real MPG results make most of its rivals look parsimonious.

And the least economical cars on sale: Cupra Ateca 2.0 TSI 300

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

RANGER

WLTP MPG&nbsp;20.5mpg | Real MPG Average&nbsp;24.0mpg | Town&nbsp;16.0mpg | Motorway&nbsp;24.1mpg | Rural&nbsp;32.2mpg

This performance variant of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/ranger/4x4/review/n17250">Ford Ranger</a> may be thirsty, but its Real MPG is actually 17.1% higher than the official figure.

Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 Ecoboost

WLTP MPG&nbsp;24.6mpg | Real MPG Average&nbsp;21.7mpg | Town&nbsp;13.5mpg | Motorway&nbsp;23.8mpg | Rural&nbsp;27.6mpg

If you're lucky enough to own an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a8/saloon/review/n21914">Audi S8</a>, running costs probably aren't a major concern. Even so, figures like these would be enough to make even CEOs wince.

Audi S8

What Car?'s Real MPG tests show what fuel economy you can really expect from a car. Here are the most and least efficient models you can currently buy in the UK

NEW REVIEWS:

Real MPG: most economical cars you can buy new

What Car?'s Real MPG tests show what fuel economy you can really expect from a car. Here are the most and least efficient models you can currently buy in the UK...

Best-selling cars in the UK: hybrid-car registrations boom in August

2024 Autumn Budget: what it will mean for motorists

Deal of the Day: Save more than £2700 on a new Renault Arkana

Real MPG: most economical executive and luxury cars

The 10 fastest-depreciating electric cars

Best tyres 2024: the safest tyres reviewed and rated

Also consider

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information