Lexi Webster
Australians are increasingly opting for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, with hybrid and electric vehicles growing in popularity. While fuel-efficient cars are often more expensive to purchase, they can save drivers money in the long run by reducing fuel costs. When it comes to fuel efficiency, several factors come into play, including the size and type of vehicle, the type of fuel used, and driving habits. As a general rule, smaller vehicles tend to be more fuel-efficient, and performance-focused cars consume more fuel. Electric vehicles are the most energy-efficient, followed by hybrids, and then combustion engines. In Australia, some of the most fuel-efficient cars include the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency factors | Vehicle size and type, fuel type, driving conditions, vehicle and occupant weight, acceleration, weather, air-conditioning, tyre pressure, route |
| Fuel efficiency range for petrol-powered vehicles | 6-8 L/100km for small or medium passenger cars; 9-11 L/100km for larger vehicles like SUVs |
| Toyota Corolla Hybrid fuel economy | As low as 4.0 L/100 km |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid fuel economy | 4.7 L/100 km |
| Toyota Corolla model years with good fuel efficiency | 2014-2017 |
| Mazda3 model years with good fuel efficiency | 2014-2017 |
| Honda Civic model years with good fuel efficiency | 2013-2016 |
| Hyundai Elantra model years with good fuel efficiency | 2013-2016 |
| Ford Focus model years with good fuel efficiency | 2012-2015 |
| Audi Q5 | Most fuel-efficient diesel SUV model in the Australian market |
| BMW i3 | High purchase and insurance costs |
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars vs. hybrids
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars are the future of driving. While hybrids have been available for over 20 years, electric vehicles are becoming more popular in Australia. In 2022, 3.1% of all motor vehicle sales were attributed to electric vehicles.
Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. They can offer improved fuel efficiency over traditional petrol or diesel cars, particularly around town, and are often marketed as the “best of both worlds". Hybrids do not need to be plugged in and recharged, and they benefit from time-tested technology that has been smoothed out over the years. They are also more affordable than electric vehicles, and there is a stable used car market for hybrids, making them an attractive option for many buyers.
Electric Cars
Electric vehicles are powered completely by their battery, making them the only fully electric vehicles. They are far cheaper to power than hybrid or traditional combustion engine cars, regardless of the model or electricity. In Australia, it would cost around $4.50 to drive 100km in an electric car, compared to $80-$100 to refuel an 80-litre tank in a hybrid.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids run on two power sources - petrol and electric - and can be recharged externally. They can be driven on electricity alone for weeks at a time but have the backup of a petrol engine for longer trips. PHEVs offer easy performance gains, and the extra power can be useful for towing. However, fuel use is typically higher than regular hybrids once the battery is depleted, and they need to be serviced as often as a petrol car.
Mild Hybrids
Mild hybrids provide some fuel-saving benefits. They have a generator or motor that allows the engine to shut down sooner and store energy captured through regenerative braking in a battery pack. This battery then powers the ancillaries such as lights, ventilation and audio. Some mild hybrids can also use their electric motors to provide very mild assistance when accelerating.
Fuel Efficiency Standards
Over 85% of the global car market has fuel efficiency standards, but Australia is lagging. Fuel efficiency standards aim to limit greenhouse gas emissions by setting a yearly limit on the average carbon emissions across a manufacturer's new car sales. As a result, carmakers must offer more low and zero-emission vehicles over time.
Battery electric vehicles are not only price competitive with hybrid vehicles but are also cheaper to run and cleaner. However, hybrids offer many of the perks of EVs and are more affordable. Australians considering a new car will need to weigh up their priorities and how they plan to use their vehicle before deciding between an EV or a hybrid.
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Fuel efficiency vs. overall cost
Fuel efficiency is a priority for many Australians, with more people choosing to lower their carbon emissions by investing in the green vehicle market. In 2022, Australians spent 27% of their yearly car running costs on fuel, and 3.1% of all motor vehicle sales were electric vehicles.
However, when comparing fuel efficiency to overall cost, it is important to consider all costs, not just fuel. While fuel-efficient cars can save money on fuel in the long run, they often have a higher purchase price, higher insurance costs, and can be more expensive to maintain. For example, the BMW i3 has a five-year cost of $98,220, while the Toyota Corolla costs half of that at $49,302. The average lifetime cost of the most fuel-efficient cars is $156,276, whereas the top-selling cars come to $61,446.
Additionally, fuel-efficient cars often have a lower range and can be too small or impractical for many Australians, especially those with families or those who need to do heavy-duty driving for work. This makes it harder to reach the critical mass required to reduce manufacturing costs.
There are also ways to improve the fuel efficiency of your current vehicle, such as driving steadily, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, keeping tyres properly inflated, and using the recommended grade of motor oil.
Ultimately, the decision between fuel efficiency and overall cost depends on the individual's priorities and circumstances. If reducing environmental impact is a priority, then choosing a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly model is essential. However, if the bottom-line cost is the main concern, it may be more cost-effective to opt for a petrol-powered vehicle, despite the higher fuel costs.
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Hatchbacks and sedans
The Toyota Corolla has long been a favourite in Australia due to its reliability and fuel efficiency. The Corolla's reputation for durability and low maintenance costs makes it a practical and economical choice for Australian drivers. The hybrid model is known to be a dependable, efficient, quiet, and refined small car model. The fuel economy for this model can be as low as 4.0 L/100 km. Models from 2014 to 2017 are particularly noteworthy, offering up to 7.0 L/100km in the city and 5.0 L/100km on the highway.
The Honda Civic is another reliable choice with great fuel efficiency. Models from 2013-2016 can achieve around 6.7 L/100km in the city and 4.9 L/100km on the highway. Its compact size, combined with a smooth and comfortable ride, makes it an ideal choice for both city and highway driving in Australia.
The Hyundai Elantra is known for its stylish design and impressive fuel economy. The 2013-2016 models offer around 7.0 L/100km in the city and 5.1 L/100km on the highway. With its attractive styling, comfortable interior, and generous warranty, the Elantra provides great value for money.
The Mazda3 is celebrated for its sporty performance and impressive fuel economy. The 2014-2017 models offer around 7.5 L/100km in the city and 5.0 L/100km on the highway.
The Ford Focus, particularly the 2012-2015 models, provides a great balance of performance and fuel economy. It delivers around 7.5 L/100km in the city and 5.0 L/100km on the highway. The Focus is known for its responsive handling, comfortable interior, and advanced technology features, making it a well-rounded choice for budget-conscious buyers.
It's worth noting that while electric vehicles are a sure way to avoid paying for petrol or diesel, they have been omitted from some lists as their kWh/100km energy consumption does not easily compare to fuel-requiring counterparts. Additionally, plug-in hybrids have been excluded from some lists as they are heavily usage-dependent and challenging to compare with other options.
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SUVs
The 2022 Kia Sportage is considered the most fuel-efficient SUV in the Australian market in 2022, consuming only 6.3L per 100km of driving. The Kia Sportage offers a mix of style, size, safety, and fuel efficiency. With a 2.0L engine and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, it is a great choice for those looking for an SUV. The Sportage can save motorists up to $727 per year in fuel costs compared to other popular models.
Another popular choice for fuel-efficient SUVs in Australia is the Toyota RAV4, which has been the go-to option for many SUV buyers, topping the SUV sales charts for the past 7 years. The RAV4 has a fuel efficiency of 7.1L per 100km, resulting in annual fuel savings of $457 for motorists travelling at least 12,000km per year.
The Honda CR-V is also a fast-rising SUV alternative in the Australian market, known for its extensive safety capabilities and impressive fuel efficiency. The 2022 model consumes 7.6L per 100km, offering average fuel savings of $397 per year.
Other notable mentions include the Ford Escape, which has the best fuel efficiency in the Ford SUV fleet, with an average consumption of 8.5L per 100km. Additionally, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) is worth considering, with an average fuel consumption of 1.5L/100km, making it a top choice for those seeking a plug-in hybrid SUV.
It is important to note that fuel efficiency can vary based on driving conditions, vehicle weight, acceleration, weather, tyre pressure, and other factors. As such, it is recommended to research and compare fuel consumption before purchasing an SUV to find the most suitable option for your needs.
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Non-electric, non-hybrid cars
While hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more popular in Australia, there are still many non-electric, non-hybrid cars that offer impressive fuel efficiency. Here is a list of some of the most fuel-efficient non-electric, non-hybrid cars available in Australia:
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is one of the most economical cars on the market, with a fuel efficiency of 4.6L/100km for the manual variant and a 37-litre fuel tank.
Suzuki Ignis
The Suzuki Ignis manual variant offers a fuel efficiency of 4.7L/100km and has a 32-litre fuel tank.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris CVT variant has a fuel efficiency of 4.9L/100km and a 40-litre fuel tank.
Kia Picanto
With a manual transmission, the Kia Picanto achieves a fuel efficiency of 5.0L/100km and has a 35-litre fuel tank.
Toyota Yaris Cross
The Toyota Yaris Cross CVT variant offers a fuel efficiency of 5.4L/100km and comes with a 42-litre fuel tank.
Mazda 2
The Mazda 2 manual variant has a fuel efficiency of 5.4L/100km and a 44-litre fuel tank.
Mazda3
The 2014-2017 models of the Mazda3 are known for their sporty performance and impressive fuel economy. These models offer around 7.5 L/100km in the city and 5.0 L/100km on the highway. The manual variant has a fuel efficiency of 6.4L/100km and a 51-litre fuel tank.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has long been a favourite in Australia due to its reliability and fuel efficiency. Models from 2014 to 2017 offer up to 7.0 L/100km in the city and 5.0 L/100km on the highway.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic models from 2013-2016 can achieve around 6.7 L/100km in the city and 4.9 L/100km on the highway, making it a reliable choice with great fuel efficiency.
Hyundai Elantra
The 2013-2016 Hyundai Elantra models offer around 7.0 L/100km in the city and 5.1 L/100km on the highway. The Elantra is known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and impressive fuel economy.
It's important to note that fuel efficiency can vary depending on various factors such as driving conditions, vehicle weight, acceleration, tyre pressure, and more. These numbers may serve as a general guideline, but actual fuel economy may differ based on individual driving habits and conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The most fuel-efficient cars in Australia include the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Elantra, the Ford Focus, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Audi Q5, the Peugeot 308 plug-in hybrid, the Cupra Leon VZe PHEV, the Audi A3, the Volkswagen Golf, and the BMW 1 Series.
A vehicle's fuel efficiency can be affected by factors such as the size and type of vehicle, the type of fuel used, and driving conditions such as speed, acceleration, vehicle weight, tyre pressure, and route.
While fuel-efficient cars can help reduce fuel costs, they often have higher purchase prices, lower ranges, and higher maintenance costs due to the scarcity of parts and servicing knowledge. Overall, the average lifetime cost of the most fuel-efficient cars is higher than that of the top-selling cars.
To improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you can drive steadily, avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, keep your tyres properly inflated, use the recommended grade of motor oil, and avoid carrying unnecessary weight or drag-causing cargo.
