Top 10 Most Economical Petrol Cars of 2024

The Sandero is as affordable as it gets and super cheap to run. Opt for the 1.0-litre petrol engine, and you’ll get around 53.3mpg, according to official stats. For such a budget-friendly car, it doesn’t ask for many sacrifices.

Despite having a small boot and limited back seat space, the Mazda 3 really shines with a fantastic interior and a killer infotainment system, plus it's super fun to drive. If you're looking for efficiency, the 186bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is the way to go, offering an impressive 54.3mpg.

If you're a driving enthusiast, the Focus is the hatchback for you—it’s a blast to drive! Plus, the mid-range mild-hybrid 155bhp petrol engine gives you 54.3mpg, so it’s pretty fuel-efficient too. While the boot could be bigger and some rivals have fancier interiors, the Focus is competitively priced and easy on the wallet when it comes to running costs.

The Renault Clio stands out with its quality interior, spacious boot, and a solid amount of standard features. The 90bhp petrol engine delivers a solid 54.4mpg for combined driving. However, if you're after an engaging driving experience or a smoother ride on bumpy roads, you might want to consider other options.

The Up may be compact, but it boasts a stylish interior, solid build quality, and a polished feel similar to larger cars. The 65bhp petrol engine is zippy around town and efficient at 55.2mpg, but it can feel a bit underpowered on the motorway.

The Suzuki Ignis is like a little terrier that’s full of energy and isn’t afraid of bigger cars. It dreams of being a big 4x4 one day, but honestly, it’s a blast just the way it is. While other city cars may offer a more refined and comfy ride, it's hard to beat its impressive 56.9mpg.

The Toyota Aygo X is the perfect blend of a city car and an SUV. Its rugged looks aren’t just for show—this is a super reliable ride backed by a five-year warranty. Plus, it delivers impressive fuel economy of up to 58.8mpg in combined driving, which is way better than what you'd find in a traditional petrol 4x4.

The Picanto offers a good-sized boot, is super easy to drive, and comes with an unbeatable seven-year warranty. Its 66bhp petrol engine can achieve around 60mpg, making it perfect for city driving.

The Swift provides a decent amount of interior space and is a blast to drive, but its boot is on the smaller side, even for a compact car. The mild-hybrid 83bhp petrol engine is pretty peppy and delivers an impressive 59.7mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The Mazda 2 looks sharp, drives really well, and comes packed with standard features. The base 75bhp petrol engine gets 58.9mpg, but for a bit more cash, you can upgrade to the 90bhp version, which achieves a diesel-like 60.1mpg. Just keep in mind that some rivals have more advanced tech.