Most Economical Small Cars

In 2023, we all want to save a little money where we can, which is why it can be so frustrating that the cost of running your car has soared in recent months. With this in mind, it’s never been more important to consider fuel efficiency when selecting a new car.

Fuel efficiency, also known as fuel economy, is the measure of how many miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of petrol in the tank. This varies between vehicles due to a number of factors, from size to acceleration and even the area where the car is being driven.

This is measured using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), a standardised test which monitors the fuel consumption of vehicles in a set of simulated real-world driving situations. Following these tests, each vehicle is given an average fuel economy rating in mpg (miles per gallon).

There’s plenty of discussion regarding how accurately these figures reflect a vehicle’s fuel consumption on the roads but, for the most part, mpg figures provide a great indicator of how fuel efficient you can expect a vehicle to be.

Read on for our rundown of the most economical small cars on the market in 2023, according to their official top-end mpg figures.

Citroen C3

• 51.3mpg

• Lease prices start from: £162.01 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £194.41 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The Citreon C3 has long-been one of Citroen's best-sellers. While there’s no doubt that its top-end fuel efficiency rating of 51.3mpg has plenty to do with this, it’s the clear focus on comfort that really makes this vehicle stand out from alternative small cars. Equipped with advanced engineering and modern technology, the C3 boasts a highly efficient engine that maximises fuel economy without compromising on performance. This makes it an economical choice for both city driving and long-distance travel.

Despite its small size, this powerful supermini offers plenty of space for both the driver and the passengers, as well as Citroen's Advanced Comfort Seats. Plus, a Citroen C3 lease gives you a 300-litre boot capacity. There’s an excellent range of equipment available for this model, too, so there’s plenty of room to customise the vehicle to suit your own needs.

For more information, make sure you take a look at our Citroen C3 lease deals.

Renault Clio

• 64.0mpg

• Lease prices start from: £232.34 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £278.81 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

This popular supermini is a fantastic all-rounder, combining practicality, low running costs and a brilliant fuel efficiency rating of 64.0mpg – all without sacrificing on style and on-board technology. Additionally, the Clio is equipped with advanced stop-start technology, which intelligently shuts down the engine during brief stops, such as traffic lights, conserving fuel in the process.

The Renault Clio is a fantastic option for a number of drivers, whatever features you’ve got at the top of your new car wishlist. If it’s space that you need, the Clio’s 391-litre capacity boot and spacious interior offers plenty of it, while its self-charging capability and seamless acceleration is bound to appeal to those looking for a vehicle that’s always enjoyable to drive. Also, the Renault Clio has an excellent reputation for being a safe car to drive.

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

Fiat 500

• 61mpg

• Lease prices start from: £139.80 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £167.76 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The Fiat 500 has been consistently popular since its initial release, especially with young drivers and city-dwellers, thanks to its signature look and impressive multimedia centre. With this in mind, you’d be forgiven for believing that the 500 is about style over substance – but this isn’t necessarily the case.

This compact ride is deceptively spacious within the interior, offering plenty of legroom for those in the front without leaving passengers in the rear feeling claustrophobic. The boot isn’t as generous as many would like, coming in at 185-litres in capacity – of course, those simply looking for a great everyday vehicle shouldn’t find this too restrictive. Finally, if it’s value for money that you need, the Fiat 500’s fuel efficiency rating of 61mpg certainly offers this. The Fiat 500 is available with a range of fuel-efficient engines, including the Fiat 500e electric version, which produces zero tailpipe emissions.

If the Fiat 500 sounds like the motor for you, ensure you check out our Fiat 500 lease deals.

Toyota Aygo X

• 59.0mpg

• Lease prices start from: £191.47 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £229.77 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

Another economical small car worth considering is the fantastic Toyota Aygo X. Toyota describes the Aygo X as the ‘first true urban crossover’, making it clear that city drivers are this vehicle’s main demographic – and they’ve certainly been well-catered for in the design.

A number of different features on the Aygo X have been included with the goal of easier driving and parking within built-up areas, such as raised seats allowing driver’s better visibility and a reversing camera fitted as standard. The Aygo X doesn’t just perform well in the city, either - with its sleek build and classy interior, it looks every inch the stylish city car, too. The Aygo X is even available in semi-convertible form on request.

As for being economical, the 59.0mpg fuel economy of this motor will impress those looking to offset the costs of big city living by selecting a more cost-effective vehicle. Additionally, Toyota has implemented innovative technologies like stop-start systems and regenerative braking to optimise fuel consumption and minimise emissions. If this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, take a look at our Toyota Aygo X lease deals.

Seat Leon

• 41.1mpg

• Lease prices start from: £242.78 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £291.33 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The Seat Leon is the ideal option for anyone on the hunt for a safe and economical small car. This sleek hatchback offers a comfortable drive and - with a fuel economy of 41.1mpg - good value for money, making it an affordable choice for families. This efficient car is similar in size to the Ford Focus, while also offering an enjoyable driving experience like the Volkswagen Golf. The vehicle also received an impressive five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, so you can take to the road with peace of mind that the Seat Leon’s safety features are as reliable as they come.

The interior of the Seat Leon is also well designed, with climate control, a 380-litre boot capacity and some decent infotainment technology included as standard. All in all, the Leon may not be the most all-singing-all-dancing vehicle on the market but it’s certainly a great all-rounder and will suit a variety of drivers. Whether navigating urban streets or embarking on long journeys, the SEAT Leon excels in delivering a balanced blend of performance and fuel economy. 

If you’d like a little more information on the Seat Leon, take a look our Seat Leon lease deals.

Toyota Yaris

• 64.0mpg

• Lease prices start from: £219.02 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £262.82 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

It’s easy to see why this vehicle has been consistently popular since its release. With an average fuel economy of 64.0mpg, the Toyota Yaris is one of the most economical small cars on the market in 2023 and offers brilliant value for money, as well as a comfortable and reliable drive. As one of Toyota’s best-selling models, we feel the Yaris is fun to drive and cruises along well. 

Toyota have also updated the exterior of the Yaris – a self-charging hybrid - in recent years to give it a sportier look and added some brilliant on-board technology – adaptive cruise-control and a high-quality infotainment centre are just two of the highlights. Its sleek and modern design not only catches the eye but also enhances aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency.

There are very few drawbacks to the Yaris and it’s likely to suit a range of drivers. If this sounds like it could be your ideal next lease, take a deeper look on our Toyota Yaris lease deals.

Peugeot 208

• 69.0mpg

• Lease prices start from: £225.30 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £270.36 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The Peugeot 208 has always been a favourite amongst those looking for an economical vehicle, with its average fuel economy of 69.0mpg being one of the very best available within the small car market. The 208 is available with a range of efficient engines, including petrol, diesel, and electric options, catering to various driving preferences and environmental concerns.

There are plenty of other reasons to choose the Peugeot 208, too. This vehicle offers plenty of space in the front, rear and boot, making it comfortable for both the driver and the passengers. The Peugeot 208 has some brilliant features fitted as standard – touchscreen satnav system, height-adjustable passenger seat and blind-spot monitoring, just to name a few.

Peugeot have also upgraded the 208 in recent years to give it a much more sleek and distinctive look. If this sounds like it may be the lease car for you, check out our Peugeot 208 lease deals.

Kia Picanto

• 59.0mpg

• Lease prices start from: £169.37 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £203.24 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

If you’re looking for a small, affordable city car, look no further than the Kia Picanto! Ideal for young drivers and city-dwellers, the Picanto combines low running costs and reliability with distinctive, modern styling. Now in third generation form, the latest version offers improved styling and a better equipped interior than the previous version. Designed to be both practical and stylish, the Picanto offers a modern and eye-catching exterior that exudes a sense of fun and personality.

The Picanto is a brilliant all-rounder. With a fuel economy rating of 59.0mpg, efficiency is just one of many benefits to selecting this vehicle, alongside the peace of mind offered by Kia’s 100,000 mile/seven-year warranty. It’s a good all-rounder and attractively priced, making it strong competition for its rivals – the VW Up and Toyota Aygo. 

For more information, take a look at our Kia Picanto lease deals.

Mazda 2

• 60.0mpg

• Lease prices start from: £165.71 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £198.86 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

The Mazda 2 is the smallest Mazda model on the market in 2023 but it’s certainly packed full of great features. This Mazda is agile for city driving, as well as providing excellent fuel economy. Take a seat in the Mazda2 and enjoy a safe, yet fun drive thanks to enhanced i-Activsense safety features.

With an average fuel economy rating of 60.0mpg, the efficiency offered by the Mazda 2 is perhaps its most enticing element. However, there’s been clear focus put on making the Mazda 2 safe, dependable and enjoyable to drive, as well as aesthetically appealing. There are plenty of luxury features available with some trims, too, such as heated steering wheel, luxury leather seats and a reversing camera. All in all, with its winning combination of sleek design, fuel efficiency, and innovative features, the Mazda2 continues to be a compelling option for drivers seeking a fun and economical driving experience.

For more information on the Mazda 2 or to get a quote from GB Vehicle Leasing, check out our Mazda 2 lease deals.

Mercedes Benz A-Class

• 64.2mpg

• Lease prices start from: £367.55 Exc.VAT Per Month (for business use) and £441.06 Inc.VAT Per Month (personal use)

Available in either hatchback or saloon form, the Mercedes-Benz A Class is generally the most affordable model from the legendary German manufacturer. However, its surprisingly reasonable price tag certainly isn’t due to a lack of quality – the A Class comes with all the panache you’d expect from a Mercedes vehicle.

The interior of this model feels rather luxurious, beautifully designed with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and the passengers. There are a range of engine options available, including a plug-in hybrid version of the A Class, each one cost-effective to run. The 64.2mpg figure listed here is in reference to the diesel engine A Class, with the petrol engine achieving an average fuel economy of 47.9mpg. This means the Mercedes A-Class stands out as a prestigious option for those seeking an economical small car. 

For more information on the Mercedes A Class, take a look at our Mercedes Benz A-Class lease deals.

Contact GB Vehicle Leasing today

In 2023’s difficult economic climate, the cost of running a vehicle can put a great deal of strain on your finances. One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of running a car is to switch to a car with a high fuel efficiency rating, ensuring that you’re getting the most from every full tank.

With GB Vehicle Leasing, getting into the driver’s seat of your new, fuel efficient car can be both simple and cost-effective! We offer thousands of makes and models of vehicles, each one tested and approved by us, and pride ourselves on offering affordable lease deals to every customer.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with GB Vehicle Leasing today.

Please Note: All prices correct at time of publication (1st August 2023) and are subject to change.