The most fuel-efficient new cars

By: Toby Hagon

EVs and hybrids steal much of the new-car limelight as the world rushes to reduce vehicle emissions.

But of the 1.2-odd-million new cars bought in Australia each year it’s those powered purely by an internal combustion engine (ICE) that still dominate. In 2024, petrol and diesel vehicles made up 73 per cent of new car sales.

And in the ICE world the tech has been advancing to deliver better efficiency, in turn lowering fuel use.

So if electrified motoring is off the list for you for now, which is the best way to keep fuel bills in check while packing in the value?

Here are some of the most fuel-efficient cars powered only by fossil fuels.

Light car: Skoda Fabia

The Kia Picanto and Mazda2 each mounts a solid case for those who don’t need to regularly carry lots of people. But it’s the Skoda Fabia that stands out as a light car fuel miser.

The claimed average fuel use of 5.0 litres per 100km is approaching hybrid levels, although it does call for premium unleaded, partly eroding some of the financial benefit.

Despite its frugal nature and modest power (there’s just 85kW) the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo is a characterful device and one that has respectable torque for everyday driving.

There’s the occasional off-the-line stumble from the seven-speed auto transmission, but under way it’s slick and smooth. Reassuring handling adds to the driving talent to make the Fabia a standout of the tiny cars.

While it’s entry price of $32,390 plus on-road costs isn’t as sharp as those rivals, it makes up for it with a healthy list of gear. And Skoda has been offering deals for $31,990 drive-away.

Five-star ANCAP safety adds to its repertoire and there also handy extras, such as the umbrella tucked into the driver’s door, a reversible boot floor (one side is rubber) and luggage nets to stop things rolling around.

Small car: Hyundai i30 hatch

It’s the made-in-Korea sedan version of Hyundai’s popular small car that is the price leader, but the hatch wins on lowering fuel use.

Now sourced from the Czech Republic, the i30 hatch is priced from $36,000 plus on-road costs.

For that you get the 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone ventilation, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 8-inch touchscreen.

There’s also the N Line design treatment with alloy pedals, red stitching inside, chrome exhaust tips, a rear wing, and diffuser and a sporty front bumper with mesh grille.

Instead of the familiar 2.0-litre engine used in the sedan, the hatch gets a slick 1.5-litre turbo engine punching out 117kW and driving through a seven-speed twin clutch auto that aids with keeping things efficient. There’s also a 48V assist system to incrementally reduce fuel use.

Claimed average fuel use is just 5.6L/100km, comfortably undercutting key rivals. More impressive is that the new engine is also effortless to drive, with solid pulling power at low revs.

Throw in sticky Michelin tyres and a well sorted chassis and it makes for a fun-to-drive compact hatch that also gets plenty from a tank.

Medium/large car: Skoda Octavia

This is a category where hybrids and EVs dominate; the Tesla Model 3 is the top seller and the Toyota Camry a close second.

But away from the electrons of those EV and hybrid options are some great petrol-only rivals, including luxury options such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series.

But the Skoda Octavia matches the A4 for its slender fuel use of 6.1L/100km, albeit requiring premium unleaded.

The 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo may not be overly powerful but pulls strongly across its rev range for thoroughly respectable performance. An intelligent eight-speed auto adds to its talent.

The Octavia also has the sort of crisp dynamics that make it a joy to drive, whether trundling around the suburbs or heading into the hills.

And for a car that doesn’t have a big footprint on the road, the four-door Skoda (it’s also available as a wagon) provides ample sprawling space for occupants.

Throw in a digital instrument cluster, 13-inch touchscreen and adjustable ambient lighting - as well as removable bin, luggage nets and door umbrella - and the $39,590 plus on-road costs starting price looks sharp.

Small SUV: Honda HR-V

There’s no shortage of talent in the compact SUV space, many of which have hybrid drivetrains. But of the ICE models there’s some impressive options, including the Honda HR-V that sips a miserly 6.2L/100km on average, according to the government test standard.

Granted, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine isn’t particularly muscly, with just 89kW and 145Nm. That means you’ll have to work it on the open road, but around town its deficiencies aren’t as obvious, and its willing nature helps with getting the job done.

The price tag also makes the HR-V something of a bargain in a market segment that’s seen prices creep north. Now from $34,900 drive-away ensures it undercuts many respectable rivals by thousands.

With a nicely presented cabin and confident dynamics it’s a great SUV option at the more affordable end of the segment.

Be aware, though, that it only seats four (there’s no seatbelt in the centre rear position). But for those not planning to pack it full of people there’s loads to like elsewhere.

Medium SUV: Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is one of many great options in the mid-sized SUV category that is brimming with talent.

And while it’s the price leading 2.0-litre models that are snapped up by many, it’s the 1.6-litre turbo variants that sip the least fuel.

Claimed average consumption is 6.7L/100km, significantly below that of key rivals. That’s for front-drive variants, with all-wheel drive models thirstier, at a still respectable 7.2L/100km. And impressively each can run on regular unleaded, helping keep fuel bills even lower.

That turbo motor manages a healthy 132kW and 264Nm for relaxed acceleration and pull where it’s needed. On-road dynamics are also great with a good blend of comfort and control.

The Tucson also delivers on value. The most affordable 1.6T costs $46,100 plus on-road costs. Elite and Premium variants get dual 12.3-inch screens and app-connected remote connectivity. There’s even a full-sized spare wheel, something not available on hybrid Tucsons.

Large SUV: Mazda CX-80

Mazda has long been at the forefront of fuel-efficient petrol engines and that engineering nous flows through to the recently arrived CX-80.

A new 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo utilises a 48V assist system to help incrementally lower fuel use - especially when stationary, when the engine shuts down - something that’s on display in the CX-80.

There’s a hearty 209kW and 450Nm driving through an eight-speed auto. It’s the sort of engine that does its best work higher in the rev range, but even on gentle throttle applications there’s decent muscle to keep things bubbling going.

Granted, the CX-80 isn’t cheap, with prices starting from $54,950 plus on-road costs. But a beautifully appointed cabin and decent list of standard gear - the Touring ($61,950) picks up classy leather and heated front seats - add to the spacious seven-seat layout.

It’s also decent to drive with more polish and maturity than the CX-80 that shares the same drivetrain.

Off-road four-wheel drive: Ford Everest

Australians love their off-road wagons, something that has helped them adventure to all corners of the country.

While there are some petrol options infiltrating the diesel-dominated segment, it’s still diesel that leads. And the Ford Everest is one of the standouts, not only for its rough road and towing capability but also for its fuel efficiency.

The 2.0-litre twin turbo engine in the Everest - it’s marketed as bi-turbo - uses a claimed average 7.2L/100km with the optional four-wheel drive system (two-wheel drive models use 7.1L/100km).

An intelligent 10-speed auto helps in keeping the engine in its sweet spot, but with 154kW and 500Nm it’s rarely wanting for tractable pulling power.

The Everest is also excellent off-road, a result of extensive local testing and development. It deals with gravel roads beautifully and has enough ground clearance and wheel articulation to tackle seriously tough tracks.

The four-wheel drive models kick off at $59,240 for the basically equipped Ambiente. Step up to the Platinum ($81,200) and there’s quilted leather and an impressive array of tech.

Dual-cab ute: Ford Ranger

Things are gradually changing in the ute segment with more petrol-fed models on the horizon, many of them hybrids.

Ultimately, though, diesel still dominates, and Ford tops the sales charts with its Ranger - with good reason.

The Ranger covers a lot of bases, packing in impressive tech and safety with a broad model line-up that covers two- and four-wheel drive variants, different cab configurations, the option of ute or cab-chassis load areas.

It’s the popular dual-cab 4x4 models we’ve focused on here - with prices starting from $50,880 plus on-road costs - and again it’s the Ranger than stands tall on fuel efficiency.

The entry-level 2.0-litre twin turbo engine mated to a 10-speed auto is among the more economical of the non-hybrid utes, using a claimed average 7.2L/100km. It drives well, too, the engine flexible across its rev range and the driving dynamics less utilitarian than some alternatives.

There’s also great cabin space, connected tech and thoughtful extras, like the step integrated into the rear bumper to make it easier to access the tray.

And for those wanting more equipment, you can grab the Wildtrak ($69,640 plus on-road costs) with its sportier design elements and added features, including a larger 12-inch touchscreen.

While no one can guarantee what a car will be worth in future, history suggests RAV4 hybrids will hold onto a larger chunk of their original purchase price in the first few years of ownership.