Fuel efficient cars for a cash-strapped SA
Which cars are the most fuel efficient in SA?
AS fuel prices continue to climb, and with it everything else, fuel economy is becoming a major concern for motorist and a major selling point for car manufactures.
With this in mind one has to ask oneself what are some of South Africas most fuel efficient cars?
We all know, and have been told a million times by politicians and celebrities alike, hybrid and electric cars are unsurpassed in fuel-economy.
However, in the absence of government subsidies these vehicles remain rather expense for the majority of South Africans.
Ford’s Fiesta 1,6 TDCi Ambiente boasts the consumption of under 5L/100 km and was named the most efficient passenger car overall at the 2012 annual Total Economy Run in Mpumalanga.
Peugeot’s 107 also lays claim to a 5L/100km fuel consumption with Chevrolets Sonic 1.3 Diesel, described as ‘a large hatchback with great performance’, has a fuel consumption rated at 4.6 litres/100km with most drivers managing closer to 5L/100km.
The Kia Picanto 1.0 is described as a cheap small run-around which will normally use 4.9L/100km, which is also likely to translate into about 5.5L to 6L/100km.
The Toyota Yaris HSD (Hybrid Drive System), the smallest and most affordable hybrid on sale in South Africa, can spend as little as 3,8 L/100km if one drives slowly – and they mean slowly.
The Toyota Aygo is another great buy on the list with the manufacturer’s specs saying it needs only 4.6L/100km.
Then there is the Volkswagen Golf Blue Motion which theoretically will only need to fill up at a petrol station ten times a year according to the VW.
Ford’s Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium specifications say it should do 100 kilometres with only 4.3 litres of petrol in the tank and even with a slightly heavier foot on the pedal it will only approach the 6L/100km mark.
The BMW 530d, is quite happy with 6,6L/100km in normal out-of-town driving conditions. Whilst this may not be quite an eco-warrior, its still trending on eco-conscious side.
BMW also has its120d Hatch diesel version which it claims can do 5.2L/100km, while the petrol conter-part sips about 7.5L/100km in out of town conditions.
This list is however, by no means definitive and depending on whom you may ask, you may get different opinions and reasons for other car choices.
In any case, it is worth remembering that how you drive your car is almost as critical to reducing your monthly fuel bill as the type of car you drive.
