The Suzuki Swift 1.2 MHEV is the most economical petrol car on sale, averaging over 64mpg (Image: Getty)
With 2025 set to be another expensive year for the motorist, an increasing amount of drivers looking to buy a new model in the are making a primary factor in the car they choose.
Thankfully, there are many or mild hybrid vehicles that can cover an impressive amount of miles for each gallon they burn, with a considerable number of the latest models able to without sacrificing performance.
According to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), a global test of fuel economy and emissions, the most new on sale in the UK is the .
A part of the range in the UK since 1984, the latest version of the Swift was introduced in December 2023 and primarily uses a 1.2-litre mild hybrid powertrain that can average an impressive 64.2mpg.
However, despite being frugal, the latest Swift is still a particularly fun supermini to drive, featuring the ability to take on tight corners at speed, not to mention the lavish list of standard equipment.
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The recently facelifted Peugeot 208 now features a mild hybrid powertrain that can average 62.8mpg (Image: Getty)
Another petrol-powered model that is particularly fuel efficient is the Peugeot 208, which was recently revised to feature another 1.2-litre mild hybrid powertrain.
Drivers can choose from two economical versions, with the 98bhp version featuring 62.8mpg and the tuned-up 134bhp examples still returning a very fair 61.4mpg.
New car buyers can get exactly the same fuel economy figures from the Vauxhall Corsa, which uses exactly the same powertrain and mechanicals.
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First seen in 2007, the Fiat 500 remains a particularly fuel efficient choice, achieving 61.4mpg (Image: Getty)
Finally, drivers looking for the perfect blend of retro Italian charm and low running costs should consider the latest version of the Fiat 500.
Despite being long in the tooth, with the model first introduced in 2007, the current petrol-powered Fiat 500 uses a 1.0-litre mild hybrid powertrain that, when coupled to a six-speed gearbox, has very reasonable acceleration and the ability to average 61.4mpg.
It is also a particularly economical model to buy, with the basic 500 1.0 Hybrid featuring a recommended retail price of £16,800, and a number of dealers offering the model for as little as £13,000.
Top 10 most economical petrol cars (average WLTP test result):
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 MHEV – 64.2mpg
- Peugeot 208 Hybrid – 62.8mpg
- Opel Corsa 1.2 – 62.8mpg
- Fiat 500 1.0 Hybrid – 61.4mpg
- Lancia Ypsilon 1.2 – 61.4mpg
- Mazda2 1.5 90ps – 60.1mpg
- Peugeot 308 1.2 MHEV – 60.1mpg
- Citroen C4 1.2 MHEV – 60.1mpg
- Toyota Aygo X – 58.8mpg
- Fiat 600 1.2 MHEV – 58.8mpg