At CAR, we take each vehicle we test on a standard, mixed-use fuel route of 100 km (comprising urban and motorway sections) to gather data on its “real-world” fuel consumption. Listed below are the 10 most fuel-efficient cars (measured in litres per 100 km) of the 60 vehicles we tested in 2020…
10. Audi A6 40 TDI S Tronic – 6,0 L /100 km (claimed: 4,3 L/100 km)
The first inclusion on this list is also the most expensive. Using the Volkswagen Group’s 2,0-litre oil-burner cranked up to 400 N.m available from as low as 1 750 r/min, the A6 40 TDI combines luxury with commendable economy.
9. BMW 330d Steptronic – 5,9 L/100 km (claimed: 5,0 L/100 km)
The 330d is the second and last diesel to appear on this list but also the most powerful car with 195 kW on tap. Using a 3,0-litre straight-six engine mated to the rear axle via an eight-speed torque-converter transmission, it returned a sub-6,0 L/100 km figure on our test route.
8. Mercedes-Benz A200 Sedan 7G-DCT – 5,8 L/100 km (claimed: 5,2 L/100 km)
Built in partnership with Renault, the brand’s turbocharged 1,33-litre four-cylinder engine proved its efficiency with a commendable fuel-route figure just 0,6 L/100 km above Mercedes-Benz’s claim.
7. Hyundai Venue 1,0 TGDI Fluid DCT – 5,7 L/100 km (clamied: 6,9 L/100 km)
Interestingly, the Venue is the only crossover to appear on this list. Using Hyundai’s turbocharged 1,0-litre three-pot and a dual-clutch transmission, it was able to achieve a result that is significantly better than the Korean firm’s claim.
6. Mercedes-Benz CLA200 7G-DCT – 5,5 L/100 km (claimed: 5,7 L/100 km)
Using the same four-cylinder turbo-petrol powertrain as the A-Class above, the CLA was almost able to match its claimed figure of 5,5 L/100 km.
5. Nissan Micra 84 kW Turbo Tekna Plus – 5,4 L/100 km (claimed: 5,0 L/100 km)
The Micra is the most frugal turbocharged model to make this list, thanks to its Renault-sourced 1,0-litre three-cylinder engine. Together with a six-speed manual gearbox and sports suspension, this version of the Micra offers an engaging drive without compromising efficiency.
4. Suzuki Ignis 1,2 GLX MT – 5,3 L/100 km (claimed: 5,1 L/100 km)
Suzuki is no stranger to fuel efficiency. Using a naturally aspirated 1,2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a five-speed manual gearbox with well-spaced ratios, the lightweight Ignis was able to record a consumption figure just 0,2 L/100 km more than claimed.
3. Hyundai Atos 1,1 Motion – 5,3 L/100 km (clamied: 5,9 L/100 km)
Hyundai claims its latest budget-beating hatch consumes 5,9 L/100 km of fuel, though our test results suggest the 1,1-litre four-pot drinks 0,6 L/100 km less than that. Still, the short-ratio top gear sees the engine speed closing in on 4 000 r/min at a steady 120 km/h.
2. Suzuki S-Presso 1,0 S-Edition 5MT – 4,8 L/100 km (claimed: 4,9 L/100 km)
Sharing the top spot is Suzuki’s new S-Presso. The 1,0-litre three-pot, which is also found in the Celerio, delivers 50 kW. Interestingly, our fuel-route figure of 4,8 L/100 km betters the Japanese firm’s claim.
1=. Peugeot 108 1,0 Active – 4,8 L/100 km (clamied: 4,3 L/100 km)
While also one of the slowest cars we tested in 2020, the 108’s 1,0-litre engine makes up for its lack of straight-line urgency at the pumps. Our fuel-route result was 0,5 L/100 km heavier than the French brand’s claimed figure. That makes it, alongside the S-Presso above, the most efficient car we tested in 2020…
