There are more than a few costs to consider when you’re buying a car: insurance, monthly repayments, maintenance, service. etc
But fuel can account for up to 40% of your total monthly car expenses. So if you’re budget-conscious or environmentally conscious and trying to cut your carbon footprint, it’s natural to want a car that’s fuel efficient and helps you save thousands of rands on your fuel bill.
Related: How to save fuel on long road trips
Fuel efficiency is measured in liter per 100 km (L/100KM). The figures we’ll show are claims from the manufacturer. Your actual fuel consumption will depend on real-world driving conditions like:
- City vs. highway driving: Driving in the city requires more stops and starts, which generally uses more fuel than highway driving.
- Your driving style: Aggressive driving, heavy traffic, and faulty engine components can all reduce your fuel efficiency.
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Here’s a list of reliable cars in South Africa that’ll help you save on gas:
Toyota Corolla Hybrid - 3.9 L/100KM
The answer to “Should I get a Toyota Corolla Hybrid?” is always yes. It’s one of the most reliable production vehicles on the market. Everything from brakes and suspension to engine, transmission, and battery outlasts most cars today.
The hybrid model combines electric and petrol power, so it’s very fuel efficient and gives you the best bang for your buck.
Toyota Camry Hybrid - 4.9 L/100KM
If you’re a big guy or gal and want the Toyota Corolla package in a bigger size, the Camry is for you.
The Camry’s fuel consumption isn’t as low as the Corolla, but it’s still respectable.
Toyota Hybrids are built for fuel efficiency, not speed, so don’t expect to power past anyone on the highway.
Toyota Vitz - 4.4 L/100KM
The Vitz offers one of the best fuel economies in its class. Its 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine has a fuel consumption of 4.4 L/100KM for the manual transmission and 4.2 L/100KM for the automated manual transmission models.
On a full tank, it has an impressive range of over 700 km.
Suzuki Celerio - 4.4 L/100KM
The Suzuki Celerio shares the same 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine as the Toyota Vitz. Thanks to start/stop technology (also present in the Toyota Vitz) and its lightweight body, it’s a very practical car at an affordable price.
A full tank could get you between 640 and 700 km.
Suzuki Swift - 4.4 L/100KM
The Suzuki Swift is powered by a 1.2 liter engine that yields 4.4 L/100KM. This fuel efficiency is possible thanks to its lightweight and aerodynamic design. Its shape was built to minimize drag (air resistance), which further increases its fuel efficiency.
Suzuki Spresso - 4.6 L/100KM
Depending on the transmission type, the S-Presso’s fuel consumption is between 4.4 and 4.6 L/100KM.
Its fuel efficiency comes from its 1.0 liter engine, which uses a two-injector-per-cylinder system called the Dualjet system for better fuel flow and efficiency.
Like the other models above, it has a start/stop system to reduce idling time in traffic.
Renault Kwid - 4.9 L/100KM
With a fuel consumption ranging from 4.6 to 4.9 L/100KM depending on the transmission, the Kwid is one of the most affordable cars in South Africa for city driving. It’s perfect for first-time or price-conscious owners.
The 1.0 liter 3-cylinder engine comes with a “Smart Control Efficiency” feature that helps improve fuel economy. You can get up to 600 km on its 28-liter tank.
Kia Picanto - 5.9 L/100KM
The Kia Picanto’s fuel efficiency depends on its engine size and transmission. It’s available in both 1.0 liter and 1.2 liter versions. The smaller engines (the 1.0 liter) are more efficient, with the manual being more fuel efficient than the automatic.
Here’s a breakdown of the fuel consumption:
- 1.0 liter Manual: 5.0 – 5.1 L/100KM
- 1.2 liter Manual: 5.0 L/100KM
- 1.0 liter Automatic: 5.0 – 5.3 L/100KM
- 1.2 liter Automatic: 5.8 – 5.9 L/100KM
Honda Fit Hybrid - 3.7 L/100KM
The Honda Fit Hybrid is one of the best cars for city driving.
Its efficiency is among the highest on this list. The electric motor handles propulsion and acceleration up to 40 kph, after which the petrol engine takes over. In congested traffic, the petrol engine stays off, and the electric motor does the work of navigating traffic.
Whether you’re on a budget or just trying to be a more conscientious road user who cares about global warming and their carbon footprint, these cars are smart choices.
And with more hybrids and EVs being introduced to South Africa, your options for fuel-efficient cars will only get better.
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