Most Economical Cars in Australia
Here are the top 10 most economical cars in Australia based on their combined
fuel consumption (in litres per 100km) as derived from ADR testing.
Eight of the top 10 cars are diesels, while one petrol and one hybrid also
make the list.
Most of the cars on the list are very small, however special mention should
go to the Prius, A3 and C4 which are larger cars that have made the top
10 and would make practical family cars.
If only doing city driving the Toyota Prius can't be beaten, its urban fuel
consumption thrashes the competition.
| Economical Car |
Engine |
Urban L/100km |
Extra L/100km |
Combined |
| Ford Fiesta Econetic |
1.6L diesel |
4.6 |
3.2 |
3.7 |
| Volvo C30 DRIVe |
1.6L diesel |
4.6 |
3.3 |
3.8 |
| Toyota Prius |
1.8L hybrid |
3.9 |
3.7 |
3.9 |
| MINI Cooper D |
1.6L diesel |
4.7 |
3.5 |
3.9 |
| Fiat 500 |
1.3L diesel |
|
|
4.2 |
| Smart fortwo MHD |
1.0L petrol |
5.2 |
3.9 |
4.4 |
| Citroen C3 |
1.6L diesel |
|
|
4.4 |
| BMW 118d |
2.0L diesel |
5.4 |
4.0 |
4.5 |
| Audi A3 |
1.9L diesel |
5.8 |
3.8 |
4.5 |
| Citroen C4 |
1.6L diesel |
|
|
4.5 |
About ADR economy tests
The test standard is specified by ADR (Australian Design Rules) 81/02 Fuel
Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles. The procedure is the same as the
European test defined by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
The urban cycle, representing city traffic conditions, averages 19 km/h,
has many stop-start events and substantial stationary time.
The extra urban cycle has an average speed of 63 km/h and a peak speed of
120 km/h, with fewer changes in speed.
Car manufacturers perform the testing themselves in specialised laboratories,
which are subject to random audits by the Australian Government.