Most Economical Cars in the U.K. and Ireland
Here are the top 10 most economical cars in the U.K. and Ireland based on their combined
MPG figure as tested by the VCA.
All 10 cars make it on the list by combining quite small diesel engines
with small lightweight cars. The mileage figures they achieve are simply
outstanding, beating all the best petrol-electric hybrids.
Another great thing is these cars are not expensive to buy, unlike all the
hybrid offerings. The Seat Ibiza Ecomotive costs around £10,000 for
instance while the Toyota Prius is almost twice that.
One figure that stands out in this list is the Smart fortwo's urban consumption
of 83 MPG, a full 14 MPG better than any other car.
| Economical Car |
Engine |
Urban MPG |
Extra Urban MPG |
Combined |
| Smart fortwo |
0.8L diesel |
83 |
88 |
86 |
| Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion |
1.2L diesel |
69 |
94 |
83 |
| Ford Fiesta |
1.6L diesel |
61 |
88 |
76 |
| Vauxhall Corsa |
1.3L diesel |
61 |
88 |
76 |
| Seat Ibiza Ecomotive |
1.4L diesel |
58 |
94 |
76 |
| Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion |
1.6L diesel |
60 |
83 |
74 |
| Peugeot 207 Economique |
1.6L diesel |
61 |
86 |
74 |
| Citroen C3 |
1.6L diesel |
60 |
86 |
74 |
| Volvo C30 |
1.6L diesel |
61 |
86 |
74 |
| Seat Leon |
1.6L diesel |
60 |
83 |
74 |
How The VCA Measures MPG
The UK's fuel consumption test procedures follow an EU directive that is
in force right across Europe.
The cars tested must have already driven at least 1,800 miles. Test cycles
are carried out on a rolling road in a laboratory.
The urban test cycle is from a cold start. It consists of a series of accelerations,
steady speeds, decelerations and idling. Maximum speed is 31 mph, average
speed 12 mph and the distance covered is 2.5 miles.
The extra urban cycle is conducted immediately after the urban test, again
consisting of accelerations, steady speeds, decelerations and idling. Maximum
speed is 75 mph, average speed is 39 mph and the distance covered is 4.3
miles.