UK’s best car for petrol mileage – and it’s not BMW, Mini or Audi

As the situation in the Middle East continues, British consumers are getting more worried about another cost-of-living spike. In recent years, the British public has endured several hits to their bank balances, especially following Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

These events have affected the prices of essentials like groceries and fuel. With that in mind, fuel efficiency could become a major factor in which car someone buys next. The higher a car’s MPG (miles per gallon), the further it should theoretically be able to go on a tank. Last year, a group of automotive experts compiled a list of the most fuel-efficient used cars on sale in the UK and concluded which vehicle tops the list.

The Ford Fiesta took first place in the rankings. For a long time, the most popular new car in the UK, and later the most popular used car, the Fiesta produced between 2008 and 2017 was capable of 76.3mpg.

Speaking about the vehicle, automotive experts from Cazoo said: “One of the most-loved cars in the UK, the little Fiesta has proved the right fit for countless owners across the nation.

“There’s a good reason for that, too, as it’s good to drive, pleasant to look at and practical inside. Most importantly, it’s great on fuel.

“There are diesel versions available that’ll get the best possible fuel efficiency, but for most people, the standard petrols will be more than frugal enough and should return around 50mpg.”

Coming in second behind the Fiesta was the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, produced between 2014 and 2022. This was capable of around 74.3mpg.

On which version to go for, Cazoo said: “It’s the diesel-powered 216d that’ll deliver the best efficiency – up to 74.3mpg, in fact – and it also qualifies for zero road tax, so it’s a win-win!”

Coming in joint third were the Suzuki Swift – the 2010 to 2017 variant – and the MINI hatchback, produced between 2006 and 2013. Both city cars were capable of 72mpg.

Fuel efficiency may become a bigger topic of conversation if America’s war with Iran continues, with Samuel Mather-Holgate, managing director and independent financial adviser at Mather and Murray Financial, warning the Express that petrol could exceed £2 a litre if the crisis continues.

Mr Mather-Holgate warned: “If this conflict becomes drawn out, the UK could see petrol pump prices comfortably exceed £2 per litre, and potentially move significantly beyond that level if supply routes are materially disrupted.

“In a worst-case scenario involving sustained instability around critical transport channels such as the Strait of Hormuz, where a substantial portion of the world’s oil passes each day, prices could climb sharply and remain elevated for months.

“This will lead to ‘duration risk’ – as the longer it continues, the higher prices will go. That would place enormous strain on household budgets, transport costs and wider inflation.”