Are you looking for the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in South Africa? Look no further! Let’s explore 11 vehicles, which are on the cheaper side of the South African vehicle market, which are also highly fuel efficient too. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best mileage cars that can travel over 20km on a single litre of fuel. These vehicles are some of your go-to choices for saving money at the pumps. 1
Rising fuel costs and your budget
Over the past few years, South African motorists have faced challenges due to fluctuating fuel prices. The combined impact of COVID-19 restrictions, global oil price hikes, and currency fluctuations have resulted in a roller-coaster of fuel expenses.1
The quest for efficiency
With the continued uncertainty of fuel costs, owning a fuel-efficient car is becoming more crucial than ever. We’ve curated a list of petrol cars that can go a long way on minimal fuel consumption. These cars boast a combined petrol consumption figure of 5.0ℓ/100km or less, equivalent to 20km per litre or more. 1
Suzuki takes the lead
Leading the pack is Suzuki, offering a range of fuel-efficient options that won’t break the bank. Among them, the 2023 Suzuki Celerio stands out, boasting an impressive combined fuel consumption figure of 4.4ℓ/100km for the manual model and 4.2ℓ/100km for the automatic model. These numbers translate to over 20km on just one litre of petrol. 1
Variety of choices
The fuel-efficient options continue with Suzuki. The Toyota Vitz, a rebadged Celerio, also boasts similar impressive figures. Renault joins the ranks with the small Kwid hatchback and the turbo version of its big brother Kiger. 1
The champion of efficiency
Claiming the title of the most fuel-efficient petrol car in South Africa is the Fiat 500. It consumes just about 4.0ℓ/100km on average, enabling it to travel an incredible 25 kilometres on a single litre of petrol. 1
Fuel-efficient petrol cars: May 2023 selection
Here are 11 of the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered cars available in South Africa as of May 2023. Estimated costs per kilometre were calculated based on an inland price of R23.34 for unleaded 95 petrol. 1
Fiat 500 — priced from R260,900
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- Performance: 63kW/145Nm.
- Fuel consumption (combined): 4.0ℓ/100km or 25km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 35 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: 875km.
- Approximate fuel expense per kilometre: R0.93. 1
Suzuki Celerio — priced from R183,900
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- Performance: 49kW/89Nm.
- Fuel consumption (combined): Manual gearbox — 4.4ℓ/100km or 23km/ℓ | Automatic gearbox — 4.2ℓ/100km or 24km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 35 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: Manual — 795km | Auto — 833km.
- Approximate fuel expense per kilometre: R1.03 | Auto — R0.98. 1
Toyota Vitz — priced from R189,900
- Performance: 49kW/89Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: 4.4ℓ/100km or 23km/ℓ | Auto — 4.2ℓ/100km or 24km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 35 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: Manual — 795km | Auto — 833km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: Manual — R1.03 | Auto — R0.98. 1
Suzuki S-Presso 2023 — Priced from R169,900
- Engine output: 49kW/89Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: AMT — 4.4ℓ/100km or 23km/ℓ | MT — 4.6ℓ/100km or 22km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 27 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: AMT — 613km | MT — 587km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: AMT — R1.03 | MT — R1.07. 1
Volkswagen Polo Vivo TSi GT — Priced from R336,1000
- Engine output: 81kW/200Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: 4.6ℓ/100km or 22km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 45 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: 978km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: R1.07. 1
Renault Kwid — Priced from R184,999
- Engine output: 50kW/91Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: 4.9ℓ/100km or 20km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 28 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: 571km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: R1.14. 1
Suzuki Dzire — Priced from R198,900
- Engine output: 61kW/113Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: 4.9ℓ/100km or 20km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 37 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: 755km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: R1.14. 1
Suzuki Ignis GLX Auto — Priced from R217,900
- Engine output: 61kW/113Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: 4.9ℓ/100km or 20km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 32 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: 653km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: R1.14. 1
Suzuki Swift — Priced from R270,900
- Engine output: 61kW/113Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: 4.9ℓ/100km or 20km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 37 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: 755km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: R1.14. 1
Kia Picanto — Priced from R214,995
- Engine output: 49kW/95Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: 5.0ℓ/100km or 20km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 35 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: 700km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: R1.17. 1
Renault Kiger Turbo Manual — Priced from R299,999
- Engine output: 74kW/160Nm.
- Combined fuel consumption: 5.0ℓ/100 or 20km/ℓ.
- Fuel tank size: 40 litres.
- Approximate distance per tank: 800km.
- Approximate fuel cost per km: R1.17. 1
As fuel costs remain uncertain, investing in a fuel-efficient car is wise for your budget. These top petrol cars in South Africa deliver exceptional mileage, allowing you to go further on each litre of fuel. Make a smart choice today and save at the pump with these eco-friendly options. 1
Regarding fuel efficiency, these cars are excellent choices for South African drivers. From city commutes to open road adventures, their impressive mileage and cost-effective fuel consumption make them a wise investment for your wallet and the environment. Choose one of these fuel-efficient options and drive confidently, knowing you’re getting the most out of every drop of fuel. 1
Disclaimer
This article is about getting car insurance quotes before purchasing car insurance.1
Are you ready to buy car insurance now? Consider getting car insurance with Prime, which offers unique benefits. So, get a quote for affordable Comprehensive car insurance with Prime South Africa, featuring fixed premiums*, reducing excess*, and top-tier service. Ts & Cs apply.
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