Most fuel efficient petrol cars in SA (2018)

We have already compiled a list of the most fuel efficient diesel cars in South Africa (2018) and now it's time to put petrol cars under the spotlight.   

It's worth remembering that the amount of fuel you save while driving will depend on a number of critical factors including your driving style, road conditions and mechanical condition of the car, to name a few. The list below is compiled based on manufacturer claimed fuel consumption figures and figures will vary in real-world driving scenarios. Prices are as of June 2018.  

Most fuel efficient diesel cars in SA (2018)

Gero Lilleike  8 Jun 2018

1. Fiat 500 63kW - 3.8L/100km

The charming Fiat 500 is the breadwinner for Fiat in South Africa and is offered as a hard-top or convertible. The 63kW/145Nm 0.9-litre, two-cylinder turbopetrol engine is particularly efficient with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 3.8L/100km and it can be had in either manual or automatic guise. There are also 3 trim levels to choose from including Pop, Pop Star and Lounge. 

Pricing for the Fiat 500 starts at R201,900.

2. Smart ForTwo - 4.1L/100km

For something a little different, you may want to consider the Smart ForTwo city car. It's offered in three trim levels (Base, Passion and Proxy) and is powered by a  three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with 52kW and 91Nm of torque and mated with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.1L/100km.

If you are looking for a more spacious Smart car, then the ForFour is also offered with fuel consumption claimed at 4.2L/100km. The ForFour also offers a bit more punch with 66kW and 135Nm produced by its A 0.9-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine.

Pricing for the Smart ForTwo starts at R176 434 while the ForFour is priced from R181,478. 
 

3. Fiat Panda - 4.2L/100km

The quirky Fiat Panda made a comeback in 2017 with four derivatives on offer (including two 4x4 versions) but it's the non-4x4 derivatives that boast the lowest claimed fuel consumption figures at 4.2L/100km. The Panda is powered by the same engine found in the Fiat 500, a two-cylinder, 0.9-litre turbopetrol engine with outputs of 63kW and 145Nm of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. 

The Fiat Panda is priced from R204,900. 

4. Audi A1 1.0 TFSI S Sportback/three-door - 4.2L/100km

The Audi A1 is the most premium car to feature on this list. The entry-level, manual A1 Sportback and three-door derivatives are the most frugal, with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.2L/100km. Power comes courtesy of a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine offering 70kW and 160Nm of torque. 

The Audi A1 three-door is priced from R288,500 while the A1 Sportback is priced from R296,000.  

5. Peugeot 208 1.2 Active - 4.3L/100km

The Peugeot 208 1.2 Active is the most frugal in the 208 range with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.3L/100km. This derivative is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 60kW and 118Nm and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. 

Pricing for the 208 1.2 Active starts at R224,900. 

This article was originally published on Cars.co.za.