Most Economical Petrol Cars

The biggest running cost that drivers face is their fuel bills – and during the current fuel and cost of living crises, these can be astronomically high. So, it makes sense to look for a vehicle that returns plenty of miles per gallon, and is overall the most economical to drive.

Whilst regulations and the forthcoming 2030 ban on the sale of new vehicles have dissuaded drivers from traditional petrol engines, they have also encouraged new petrol vehicles to benefit from enhanced fuel-saving technologies and superior aerodynamics. Petrol is also slightly cheaper at the pumps, meaning you can save whilst driving a conventional car with conventional manners. Here are some of the most economical petrol cars, including their WLTP-verified MPG figure, and the best deals for leasing.

Ford Puma

• 52mpg

• Lease prices start from: £244.81 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £293.77 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

Thanks to its mild hybrid engine, the 125bhp version of the Ford Puma sees a great 52mpg. The addition of hybrid technology to the engine assists for gains in fuel efficiency – and also provide a bit of extra power when you’re pulling away from the lights. A higher driving position also provides a good line of sight front and rear, meaning you can park easily in tighter spaces.

The Puma’s interior could be compared easily to that of the Ford Fiesta, with a simple, fuss-free layout that’s easily navigated. It features a row of proper buttons and controls positioned beneath the dash-top infotainment screen. All Pumas come with an 8” infotainment touchscreen, with bright and crisp graphics. It’s also roomy, meaning even the tallest passengers won’t struggle, and features plenty of storage options.

For more information or to get a quote, head to check out our Ford Puma lease deals.

Citroen C3

• 52.3mpg

• Lease prices start from: £162.84 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £195.41 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The C3 offers an impressive 52.3mpg, making it great for cost-effective city driving duties. Steering is light, and the gearbox action is somewhat slushy, enabling you to make tight manoeuvres in town. Inside, the Citroen C3 proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a car that is genuinely stylish, with a rectangular theme that’s interesting to look at.

Even the cheapest model comes with a 7” touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB digital radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available across the range, allowing you to connect on the go. The boot is about average for a car of this size, and getting a comfortable driving position in the C3’s soft, sofa-like front seats isn’t a major problem, with a driver’s seat that adjusts for height and reach.

For more information on the Citroen C3, take a look at our Citroen C3 lease deals.

Renault Clio

• 54.4mpg

• Lease prices start from: £181.00 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £217.20 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The Clio is a great offering, with the 90bhp petrol engine offering an abundant 54.4mpg. It’s a very affordable car, returning good value for money with punchy driving and a selection of manual and automatic gearboxes to boot.

Inside, the Clio looks and feels just as posh as some more expensive German alternatives, looking more like the inside of an upmarket saloon than a cheep-and-cheerful hatchback. The dashboard is sweeping with a two-toned colour scheme, metal effect knobs and dials, and neatly integrated air vents. The interior is draped with swathes of soft plastic trims that feel upmarket, with the higher-spec cars coming with customisable mood lighting and contrasting trims around the gear lever and air vents.

If this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, take a look at our Renault Clio lease deals.

Kia Picanto

• 60mpg

• Lease prices start from: £126.30 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £151.56 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

Despite being a 100% petrol-powered car, the Picanto’s 66bhp petrol engine can achieve 60mpg. It’s a city car at heart, most at home on busy roads where it can slip through the gaps in traffic that bigger cars can’t manage. All models get 5 doors as standard, so access to the back seats is good considering its size – and, the Picanto comes with an industry-leading 7-year warranty.

Inside the Picanto isn’t particularly exciting, but it’s not boring either. The three-spoke steering wheel looks sporty and the dials are clear and easy to read. GT Line and GT Line S models brighten up the black upholstery with faux black leather seats featuring red highlights. When it comes to equipment, you’ll have to opt for at least the Picanto 3, which comes with an 8” infotainment screen and smartphone connectivity capabilities.

If you’d like a little more information on the Kia Picanto, take a look at our Kia Picanto lease deals.

Suzuki Swift

• 59.7mpg

• Lease prices start from: £149.04 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £178.85 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

This is a mild hybrid, 83bhp petrol engine and manages 59.7mpg, surprising for an engine that is certainly not lazy. If you’re looking for a fun drive and space as well as affordability, this small hatchback might be for you. The large windows and upright seats give you great visibility, making it a doddle to park even on the busiest highstreets.

The Swift features an intuitive interior layout, with a 7” touchscreen coming as standard on all but entry-level models. It also sees smartphone mirroring as standard, as well as a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Additionally, you can choose between black and very dark grey upholstery, with a selection of contrasting white trim pieces dotted around the interior making sure it doesn’t look too bland.

For more information, take a look at our Suzuki Swift lease deals.

Mazda 2

• 58.9mpg

• Lease prices start from: £153.93 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £184.72 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The Mazda 2 is not only a brilliant drive, a real looker and full of standard kit, but it’s incredibly economical, too. The base 75bhp petrol does 58.9mpg, or if you’re willing to upgrade, the 90bhp version can see a diesel-rivalling 60.1mpg. Its steering has been retuned and its suspension made more comfortable, with Mazda’s G-vectoring control system added to make for more stable cornering.

Even the entry-level cars come with climate control, rear parking sensors, and LED headlights. Upgrade to the higher trims for a built in sat nav, smartphone connectivity capabilities and an 7” touchscreen.

To get a quote for a Mazda 2 with GB Vehicle Leasing, take a look at our Mazda 2 lease deals.

Ford Fiesta

• 53.3mpg

• Lease prices start from: £196.03 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £235.24 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

Both the base 75bhp and 100bhp petrol models of the Ford Fiesta offer 53.3mpg, making it not only a fantastic car to drive, but an economical one, too. It’s arguably one of the best value small cars on the market, with its great fuel economy, comfortable nature and array of equipment. Even the most basic Fiestas are fantastic to drive, with great control weights, a lot of composure and a good amount of grip.

Whilst it’s spacious in the front, the rear seats are a touch cramped, so this might not be the best option if you constantly have a full car. However, standard equipment is good, with an 8” infotainment screen and physical controls for the air conditioning. Upgrade to the Vignale trim for luxury touches like leather interior and a panoramic opening sunroof.

If this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, take a look at our Ford Fiesta lease deals.

Ford Focus

• 54.3mpg

• Lease prices start from: £265.91 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £319.09 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

If you’re a fan of classic, traditional driving, as well as affordability, then the Ford Focus is the model for you. The mid-range mild hybrid 155bhp petrol model offers a nice 54.3mpg, making the hatchback impressively economical for how well it drives. The Focus is a practical family car, with a high-up view and more advanced rear suspension making it a dream to drive.

Entry-level models come with an 8” touchscreen with voice recognition technology, as well as smartphone mirroring capabilities. The touchscreen is bright and responsive, and when you upgrade to higher spec models they add a sat-nav and a 4.3” colour instrument cluster screen. You can also add a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, too, for relatively little money.

If this sounds like it may be the lease car for you, check out our Ford Focus lease deals.

Volkswagen Up!

• 55.2mpg

• Lease prices start from: £157.42 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £188.90 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The 65bhp petrol engine of the Volkswagen Up! is particularly frugal at 55.2mpg, and you’ll find it at its nippiest in town. It’s a great city car, with its small size making it easy to manoeuvre but also providing you with a good view out. Suspension is also ideal for city conditions, making light work of bumps and potholes.

Whilst the Up! is Volkswagen’s cheapest model, it still retains the high-quality interior you would expect. Its looks are minimalistic but solid, with the option to choose between a wide variety of optional styling packs to make it look that much smarter. All models also feature a slick 5” colour screen, through which you can run lots of features from a smartphone app, mounted in a built-in cradle on top of the dashboard.

For more information, take a look at our Volkswagen Up! lease deals.

Mazda 3

• 54.3mpg

• Lease prices start from: £188.69 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £226.43 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

With a 186bhp 2.0 litre petrol engine, the Mazda 3 is capable of 54.3mpg, and doesn’t scrimp on joyful driving, either. It’s always been a competent family hatchback, and new sharp looks and the latest technology, the 3 is competing with bigger, more luxurious brands. Precise steering, consistent pedals and snappy gearshift all take the stress out of urban driving in the Mazda 3.

The interior quality is impressive across the range, looking serious and dark in black. The infotainment screen is quirky, standing out from the dashboard in all its leatherette trim. Upgrading will see the addition of an auto-dimming mirror, switches for the front heated seats and climate control other than manual aircon.

For more information on the Mazda 3 or to get a quote from GB Vehicle Leasing, check out our Mazda 3 lease deals.

Conclusion and CTA

Now more than ever, it’s important to select an economical petrol vehicle to ensure you aren’t drastically impacted by inflation and any potential fuel crises. Not only will it save you a bit of money in the long run, but it’ll save you time at the petrol station, too. Besides this, using less petrol means you’ll lower your carbon footprint, which is particularly important in the current climate.

If you find yourself in need of a more economical car, why not lease one with GB Vehicle Leasing? Contact us today to find out more.

Please Note: All prices correct at time of publication (1st August 2022) and are subject to change.