Cheap And Fuel Efficient Cars Of 2018

There’s a version of the latest Ford Fiesta to appeal to just about everyone, including anyone looking to keep an eye on bills. If that’s you, the 84bhp 1.5-litre diesel is the pick of the range, thanks to its claimed fuel economy of just 88.3mpg. It also has CO2 emissions figures of 82g/km – lower than some hybrid models – and this makes it especially appealing for company-car drivers. It’s not just the diesel that returns solid economy, though: the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine can return over 60mpg and costs around £1,000 less to buy, bringing down your total monthly costs. Low running costs aren’t all the Fiesta has in its favour, though – Ford’s supermini has long been regarded among the most entertaining small cars to drive, and the latest version builds on the talents of its predecessor. The previous model had nothing like the upmarket feel of today’s car, whose well designed dashboard is classy to look at and easy to use, while the rear seats are noticeably more generous on space, too.

Some say that Hyundai was more than just inspired by the Toyota Prius when it developed its own rival to that pioneering Japanese model, but the truth is that Toyota’s proven template for hybrid car success would have been foolish to ignore. The Ioniq’s silhouette is aerodynamically efficient and helps to reduce the effort required to push this family hatchback through the air, so its petrol engine and electric motor rarely feel overworked. In fact, the Ioniq is a markedly faster car than the Prius, and its responsiveness is helped by the use of a conventional dual-clutch automatic gearbox instead of the Prius’ variable-ratio CVT system. As a result, drivers moving over to a hybrid from a conventional petrol or diesel car will find the Ioniq feels a little more familiar than the Prius, although the latter feels a little more settled on bumpy roads. However, the Ioniq’s firm setup isn’t uncomfortable and it costs less than the Prius, even if its claimed 66mpg fuel economy is some way short of the Toyota’s 94.2mpg.

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