20 most economical cars

At a time when the middle social class almost ceased to exist in its true form, the important place is given to the trend of production of "low-cost" cars. This applies to everything from the cost of purchase and further maintenance, up to the amount of fuel consumed. By the way, the last characteristic is decisive in the minds of millions of consumers, since the annual cost of refueling can be up to 40-50% of the total cost of maintaining a car.

In connection with the active popularization of the topic of fuel consumption saving, expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ team conducted its own market research. As part of this study, the focus was on finding the most appropriate configurations for the conditions, as well as analyzing consumer feedback and staff experts. As a result of the survey, a rating of the 20 most efficient cars was made, divided into two thematic categories based on cost.

Rating of the most economical cars

Nomination	a place	Name of product	starting price
The most economical budget class cars	1	Citroen C4 Cactus	-
	2	Kia Rio FL	619 900 ₽
	3	Peugeot 208 VTi (1.0 L)	499 000 ₽
	4	Kia Picanto (1.0 L)	644 900 ₽
	5	Ford Fiesta (1.6 L)	774 000 ₽
	6	Mazda 3 (1.5 L)	1 223 000 ₽
	7	Ravon R2 (1.3 L)	309 000 ₽
	8	Ford Focus (1.6 L)	1 003000 ₽
	9	Lada Vesta (1.6 L)	487 900 ₽
	10	Renault Logan	554 000 ₽
	11	Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TSI	875 900 ₽
The most economical cars in terms of "price / quality"	1	Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI	1 429 900 ₽
	2	BMW 1 Series 118i	1 580 000 ₽
	3	Mini cooper	1 460 000 ₽
	4	Smart fortwo	790 000 ₽
	5	Skoda Rapid	772 000 ₽
	6	Mercedes-Benz A180	1 810 000 ₽
	7	Audi A1 1.4 TFSI	995 029 ₽
	8	Volvo V40 Cross Country	1 684 000 ₽
	9	Toyota Corolla 1.6	1 153 000 ₽

The most economical budget class cars

Citroen C4 Cactus

Fuel economy rating: 4.9

All models of cars included in the C4 line of the Citroen brand use the same set of engines and their modifications in conjunction with similar gearboxes. In the framework of the rating, we decided to single out Cactus as the most non-trivial and original car from a very conservative French company.

The most economical bundle of Citroen C4 Cactus is a 1.6-liter diesel engine (turbocharged e-HDi 92) / 5-speed manual gearbox: the flow rate per 100 kilometers along the highway will be only 3.5 liters. At the same time, the power characteristics are quite good: 92 horsepower can be considered as a weighty argument for a car, positioned as a city crossover - you can even try to drive off-road. This is facilitated by the presence of special rubber linings on the body, and the "grand" retreat from the canons - for the first time in Citroen cars, the sills and wheel arches are trimmed with protective plastic.

Kia Rio FL

Fuel economy rating: 4.8

In addition to the regalia of the best-selling Korean car in Russia, the Kia Rio FL is considered to be one of the most economical in its class. The conspicuous appearance and high quality of the technical implementation allowed the car to impose a serious struggle on the Hyundai Solaris, and at the turn of 2024 still beat the eternal rival.

In this category, you should consider the diesel version of the Kia Rio FL, equipped with a 1.1-liter engine. Despite the modest volume indicators, this “baby” produces up to 123 horsepower, and in conjunction with 6-speed mechanics it consumes only 3.6 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers. Excellent performance for a car that can be categorized as budget.This is a decent second place ranking.

Peugeot 208 VTi (1.0 L)

Fuel economy rating: 4.7

The sophistication and elegance of the Peugeot 208 is not questioned in any more or less professional auto review - this is traditionally a strong feature of the model and the French manufacturer as a whole. It just so happened that the bundle with a three-cylinder engine for 1 liter for purely urban movement and small waste for repair / maintenance and refueling fell within the scope of our rating.

Behind the attractive exterior of the Peugeot 208 of the considered version there are very modest technical indicators: 68 horsepower and 95 Nm of torque per 3000 revolutions per minute. Of course, there is no need to talk about any dynamics here: the maximum speed does not exceed 163 kilometers per hour, and it takes up to 14 seconds to disperse hundreds (however, for a curb weight of 1,484 kilograms, this is quite equivalent). But the average consumption on the highway is 3.7 liters, which allows the car to get close to the leader of the rating.

Kia Picanto (1.0 L)

Fuel economy rating: 4.6

A typical urban compact car, released as an alternative to the Daewoo Matiz and Toyota’s compact hatchbacks, as well as the Huyndai Getz and i10 that did not hit the Russian market. Since its release in 2004, it has undergone four restyling, and at the time of 2016 it has acquired the same features inherent in all members of the current line of cars from Kia.

At the moment picanto pickings offer a choice of only two engines: a liter R3 for 67 horsepower and a 1.25-liter R4 for 84 horsepower, respectively. The most economical of this pair is the first option: it consumes only 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. It is impossible to call bad and acceleration dynamics: 13.9 seconds to 100 kilometers per hour look quite expected for a model weighing 840 kilograms. The maximum possible speed is limited to 163 kilometers per hour, which is just right for traveling around the city.

Ford Fiesta (1.6 L)

Fuel economy rating: 4.5

Since the Ford Fiesta on a 1.6-liter turbodiesel is far from a budget class, in this category of rating we consider a model with a gasoline aspirated of the same volume. The beauty of the considered configuration is the correct balance between the price and the claims for a pleasant driving experience. In fact, many users note a good dynamics of movement, as well as the reliability and unpretentiousness of the unit in service.

In conjunction with a mechanical 5-speed gearbox, the Ford Fiesta 1.6 delivers up to 105 horsepower, thanks to which it can accelerate to a hundred in 11.4 seconds. For a subcompact car, this is quite good. In addition, a full advantage of the model was the complete restyling of the body - the new look fell in love with all lovers of aesthetics and integrated features, which are emphasized by the Americans from Ford. In the country cycle, the Fiesta with the indicated configuration of the engine and transmission consumes only 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is the fifth result among the nominees of this category.

Mazda 3 (1.5 L)

Fuel economy rating: 4.4

The 1.5-liter version of the Mazda 3, presented to the automotive community in 2014, is one of the most economical versions of a full-size sedan. The whole essence of this car is enclosed in a representative appearance, really beautiful and looking favorably against the background of "classmates". But driving dynamics and speed characteristics, alas, faded into the background.

In fact, the Mazda 3 has cultivated comfort in itself by sacrificing the dynamics for the sensation that business class cars give. Acceleration to hundreds according to official data takes 11.6 seconds, and the maximum speed does not exceed 193 kilometers per hour. Consumption on the highway in a pair with 5-speed mechanics is 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers. The result is good, but if this version had a little more than 115 horsepower of power ...

Ravon R2 (1.3 L)

Fuel economy rating: 4.3

Ravon's two-door hatchback is a very controversial model. In an effort to become a niche flagship for the urban environment and adapting to modern operating conditions (less maintenance money - more return), she manages to lose to competitors in terms of fuel consumption and, elementary, in terms of appearance.

A 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine giving up to 85 horsepower is integrated into an angular body with enlarged features. By the way, the assortment of Renault Logan is still listed as a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of no more than 82 horses (although this 8-valve engine). As for the Ravon R2, the maximum speed is 163 kilometers per hour, and the first hundred is reached in 12.4 seconds. The control is quite soft and clear, but the dynamics of the hatchback, alas, is not enough. For every 100 kilometers of track, an average of 5.1 liters of gasoline is consumed - this is the seventh line of our rating.

Ford Focus (1.6 L)

Fuel economy rating: 4.3

Ford Focus can hardly be called a budget-class sedan - the purchase of a new car can fly away a pretty penny. However, one of the most economical it is for sure: the reason for this lies in the updated 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. Thanks to a set of innovative technologies integrated into the process of its development, engineers were able to significantly increase power with virtually unchanged fuel consumption.

In addition to updating the power unit, Ford Focus has also undergone dramatic cosmetic changes: the front part of the body, optics, and several volumetric lines along the side of the perimeter have been completely redone. We cannot mention any specific equipment from the whole presented variety, therefore we will give a general characteristic to the whole model range: the engine is paired with 5-step mechanics or 6-speed automatic, produces from 105 to 180 horsepower and consumes 5, 1 - 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

Lada Vesta (1.6 L)

Fuel economy rating: 4.2

Domestic sedan of 2015 year of release, which has become the main competitor in the Renault Logan segment.And, in terms of dynamics, Vesta is a little better than him: this is evident from the characteristics of acceleration. The speed of 100 kilometers per hour is picked up by the domestic car in 11.8 seconds, and in combination with an automatic transmission. In general, it turns out to be a rather strange situation: according to statistics, consumption with a 5-speed automatic was lower than with 5-speed mechanics, and amounted to 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers in a country cycle.

The capacity of the standard engine Lada Vesta is 106 horsepower, and torque reaches 148 Nm at 4200 rpm. Externally, the model looks nice, but the feeling of “luxury” does not cause - the effect is that the car belongs to the budget segment. There is nothing special to say about the cabin, because the decoration is pleasant and corresponds to the spirit of the times, but it does not contain any unique solutions.

Renault Logan

Fuel economy rating: 4.1

Constant competitor and partner of domestic sedans, from the current generation "peresevshy" on the updated 1.6-liter engine. Logan has always been a car of increased interest (or even demand) on the part of consumers, since low price and satisfactory driving characteristics allowed the car to be used hard in the realities of Russian roads. Until recently, this model was associated with clumsiness of body features, but with each restyling conducted more and more rounded shapes appeared and, in the end, the view approached the notion of “presentable”.

According to the characteristics of the updated engine Renault Logan is slightly ahead of the Lada Vesta: 113 horsepower is removed from 1.6 liters. But the consumption figures paired with 5-speed mechanics are slightly losing - for every 100 kilometers along the suburban route, the car spends 5.6 liters. Too much, but in the rating Logan falls deservedly so.

Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TSI

Fuel economy rating: 4.1

Continuity of engines, regardless of body type - one of the features of the modern automotive industry. In a situation with the Volkswgen Polo, the user can purchase either a sedan or a hatchback, under the hood of which an economical 1.4-liter gasoline engine will be placed. At first glance, everything looks quite modest, but the presence of turbocharging and multilayer injection (Turbo Stratified Injection) make the power unit one of the most technologically advanced in the category under consideration.

With a capacity of 100 horsepower, when driving on the highway Volkswagen Polo consumes only 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. This is not bad, especially given the fact that the engine asks for extremely expensive fuel (according to the specification - the 95th standard of Euro 5). And of course, an important role in this flow is played by a manual gearbox with 5 switching levels. We will not comment on the appearance of the car - classic forms of the model are praised by calm people (mostly family), and are reprimanded by lovers of interesting designs.

The most economical cars in terms of "price / quality"

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI

Fuel economy rating: 4.9

The leader of the ranking of the most economical cars suddenly becomes ... Vlokswagen Golf 1,4 TSI on a diesel engine and in a new body. This car is quite expensive (for its status), and maintenance often requires significant cash infusions. But the minimum fuel consumption is 2.6 liters on a country road.

Turbodiesel installed in this version of the Golf, gives up to 125 horsepower.This has a positive effect on both the dynamics of movements and the drive that one wants to feel driving a car. There is nothing to say about the comfort of the cabin, because, as many owners point out, it’s standard - it’s not possible to single out something unique. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour takes 9.5 seconds, provided that a 6-speed manual is used as the transmission. The result is good, but I want a little more.

BMW 1 Series 118i

Fuel economy rating: 4.8

Diesel 118i from BMW - a real find for fans of saving in small things. Despite the price of 1.5 million rubles, the representative of the first series can be a really bargain. First, because of its status: the BMW brand is recognizable and respected. Secondly, the emphasis on comfort: many can argue, but in comparison with competitors 118i really focus on ergonomics. Thirdly: extremely economical diesel engine with good technical performance.

The 1.5-liter power unit is truly one of the most economical in its segment: 3 cylinders “harness” of just 3.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers in a country cycle. At the same time give out honest 116 horsepower and 200 kilometers per hour maximum speed. But with overclocking everything is not so simple: official data speak from 10.3 seconds to a hundred, but at independent trials people do not roll out even from 11 seconds. Is this a disadvantage? Perhaps, but the fact of the most economical car in the rating remains unchanged.

Mini cooper

Fuel economy rating: 4.8

Top UK sales and economical car with a true British character. Mini is one of the brands included in the group of the German concern BMW, so there’s no need to worry about quality. One of the important decisions of engineers was the integration under the hood of a 1.5-liter diesel engine, issuing 95 horsepower power. For such a small car, this is a serious indicator, since even the old diesel Mitsubishi Pajero (the weight of which is much higher than that of the Coupe) had 99 horsepower from a 2-liter engine.

The above comparison may be incorrect in terms of different technologies used in the creation of engines, but the fact of the excellent work of the German masters is evident: Mini Cooper is very popular in Europe. For every 100 kilometers, the car spends 3.6 liters of diesel fuel, which is the third result in this category of rating.

Smart fortwo

Fuel economy rating: 4.7

Smart Two is an exclusive and even somewhat exotic phenomenon on the Russian market. The very compact “car of the future”, as manufacturers are positioning, is a variation on the topic of saving space on the road - however, the purchase of this “economy” requires you to pay almost 1 million rubles. Smart’s exorbitant price tag and appetites cannot be attributed to anything at all: other things being equal, people will take the more familiar full-size sedans and hatchbacks with the ability to pay for them for a third lower amount.

Letting go of all the formalities, we turn to the review of engine parameters. Both variations of the power unit in conjunction with 5-speed mechanics have equal fuel consumption per 100 kilometers: 4.1 liters each. But at the same time one of them, with a volume of 0.9 liters, gives out 90 horsepower, and the second, for 1 liter, hardly falls short of the figure of 71 horsepower.Thus, for the implementation of Smart engineers can be commended - this economical car turned out in the spirit of the times and taking into account all current requirements. But the chance of buying it by Russian users is extremely low - the contrast of alternative options does its job.

Skoda Rapid

Fuel economy rating: 4.6

Another representative of the German automotive industry in general and the VAG-group in particular, who claims to be the "icon" of efficiency among middle-class gasoline cars. And it is worth noting that Rapid does it very well. Not so long ago, the model has undergone visual changes in style, followed by a slight increase in the cost of a car in the domestic market and an increase in interest from the consumer segment.

If the visual features of Skoda Rapid deliver a lot of aesthetic pleasure, then some configurations (implying a combination of engine / transmission) look very weak. For example, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a distributed injection of gasoline fuel, issuing only 90 horsepower. However, this is the most economical version of the car, and therefore its place in the ranking is beyond doubt. The maximum speed of the car with this engine is 185 kilometers per hour, and fuel consumption - 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers.

Mercedes-Benz A180

Fuel economy rating: 4.5

Direct competitor to the BMW 1 Series 118i, combining more refined body features, meek disposition and complete handling. Mercedes-Benz A180 is a full-fledged A-class hatchback whose aesthetics comes out on top, putting the driving characteristics in the background. However, it is foolish to believe that the engineers of one of the grandees of the German automotive industry have lost sight of this component: everything has been brought to the stage at which no complaints can arise.

Consider the A180 model with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. With a capacity of 122 horsepower, it produces up to 200 Nm of torque and accelerates the car to 100 kilometers per hour in 9.2 seconds. Departure from 10 seconds can be considered a success, but by default Mercedes-Benz wants more. The maximum speed is 202 kilometers per hour - a good indicator, especially in light of the quality of most Russian roads. In terms of fuel costs, the model is naturally located in the middle of the rating with a 4.7-liter indicator (5-speed mechanics) per 100 kilometers.

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI

Fuel economy rating: 4.5

Enchanting hatchback of 2010 year, made in the best traditions of the company Audi: powerful, beautiful and very pragmatic. For unknown reasons, he did not receive much distribution in Russia, although, objectively, it is worth taking it for everyday use. At least because of the 1.4-liter turbo engine, which produces 185 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.

The maximum speed of the Audi A1 in the proposed configuration is 227 kilometers per hour - this is an excellent indicator for a car that weighs 1.3 tons. Acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour takes only 6.9 seconds, and for every 100 kilometers along the highway only 5.1 liters of gasoline is spent. The only real nuance of this version is that in conjunction with the engine is only 7-speed automatic transmission. If a manual box was included in the picking, the consumption would be reduced by several points.

Volvo V40 Cross Country

Fuel economy rating: 4.4

Volvo V40 Cross Country - not the best car in terms of fuel consumption, but one of the absolute favorites of the rating in terms of price and quality. The updated version of the hatchback turned out to be very beautiful both externally and internally, which was a new impetus to the development of the Volvo brand after joining the Chinese concern Geely.

As part of a brief review, we will consider one of the “starter” versions of the V40 Cross Country, equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with four cylinders and turbocharging. Its maximum power is 152 horsepower, and torque - 250 Nm in the range from 1700 to 4000 revolutions per minute. It combines the engine only with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, providing acceleration to kilometers per hour in 8.5 seconds. Fuel consumption also remains at the level of Toyota Corolla, namely 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers. But here are purely superficial sympathies of the author of the text remain for Volvo.

Toyota Corolla 1.6

Fuel economy rating: 4.3

This is an economical car now representative class, long and firmly entrenched in the domestic market. Toyota is very competent in updating its own line, alternating small restyling with complex updates of the visual, mechanical and power parts. The 1.6-liter engine has not been abandoned until now: the old model is still in the top of sales for accessories. It is characterized by a power of 124 horsepower and a torque of 157 Nm at 5200 rpm.

Acceleration of the Toyota Corolla to 100 kilometers per hour takes about 10.4 seconds, and the maximum developed speed is 195 kilometers per hour. The lowest fuel consumption figured in the combination of the engine in question with 5-speed mechanics: in a country cycle, the flow rate ranges from 5.6 to 5.8 liters per 10 kilometers. This is the last place ranking in this category - but it does not make the car worse than competitors.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.