Stunning looks, high performance, enhanced comfort, cutting-edge technology, fine handling, impressive economy - there are many factors people look for when buying a car, but saving money when it comes to fueling is top of many buyers' lists.
There was a time when you couldn't have certain traits together, like high performance and good economy, but as is the case with the advancements in technology, this is now possible.
Below we select ten of our favourite cars that offer great economy, but are also great cars in general. Our list follows one set of criteria: the car must have an internal combustion engine to qualify.
- Kia Sportage PHEV
- BMW 3 Series 330e
- Toyota Prius
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Audi A1
- Volkswagen Golf GTE
- Peugeot 308 PHEV
- Ford Fiesta
- Kia Niro Hybrid
- Hyundai IONIQ PHEV
Kia Sportage PHEV
SUVs continue with their huge popularity in 2025, and with good reason. The enhanced practicality, raised driving position, and chunky looks certainly all make an attractive proposition for sure, but add in all-wheel drive, Kia's 7-year warranty and the fact that the Sportage is one of the best SUVs you can buy, it's a no-brainer.
And that's before we even get to the possibility of over 250mpg, due to the plug-in hybrid set-up. This means there's up to 43 miles of electric range, enhancing the overall economy. But in reality, you're more likely to see up to 80mpg, which is still excellent for a large SUV.
The GT-Line S trim looks the part too, and with 261bhp on tap, you'll go from 0 to 62mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds. As all-round packages go, the Kia Sportage is hard to beat.
Search New Kia Sportage Search Used Kia SportageBMW 3 Series 330e
BMW is king at combining economy with high performance. Over the years, they have had plenty of cars offering both impressive performance, whilst still providing huge power and performance.
Naturally, the iconic BMW 3 Series was always going to be a textbook example of the two traits, along with offering cutting-edge technology, great practicality, great build quality, and crisp styling.
What's more, the 330e will go from 0 to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds, offering up to 61 miles of electric range, whilst combined offering up to 353mpg - of course, these are in perfect conditions.
Either way, you're still likely to see north of 50mpg without trying, and can find Touring (Estate) versions, too.
Search Used BMW 3 SeriesToyota Prius
Often wonder why, no matter what country you are in, the Toyota Prius seems to be a popular choice for a taxi.
Toyota is famed for its reliability, and the Prius is famed for its fuel economy. Officially, you'll get over 500mpg, but in reality, you'll see more like 80mpg, which is still incredible.
The reason for its excellence is its plug-in hybrid nature, which is a common theme in our list, but it simply gives you the benefits of internal combustion and electric, all rolled into one. And, this latest version has matured in its appearance, and now looks properly smart and sophisticated.
Search Used Toyota PriusMercedes-Benz C-Class
Wherever there is a BMW, there's a Mercedes-Benz alternative, and in this case, the 3 Series competition is, of course, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Another PHEV, officially it will return over 400mpg, but in real-world situations, you'll be able to take advantage of up to 70 electric miles, and over 80mpg with little effort.
Like the BMW 3 Series, you can find the C-Class in a saloon and estate model too, and like the BMW, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class PHEV is pretty quick too, taking just 6.1 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph.
Search Used Mercedes-Benz C-ClassAudi A1
Small, sophisticated hatchback that uses a peppy 3-cylinder petrol engine to offer excellent real-world economy of over 50mpg.
In this list of cars that use plug-in hybrid technology, enhancing their economy, the Audi A1 proves that you can still achieve great economy, with a small, smooth engine.
It's not the fastest car in the list, but it feels quicker than the circa 9-second 0 to 62mph time suggests. Where many of today's small cars may seem cheap, the Audi A1 punches well above its weight in terms of refinement, feel, and presentation.
Search Used Audi A1Volkswagen Golf GTE
Another car offering around the 250mpg mark, but in the real world, you'll see around 50mpg with ease.
Again, this is thanks to the car's plug-in hybrid nature, which is a guarantee for decent economy thanks to internal combustion and electric power working together to get you an enhanced economy.
Depending on generation, you'll also get between 30 to 80 miles of electric range. And being a Golf, it's well built, offers decent practicality and is a generally solid all-rounder. It's pretty quick, too, with 0 to 62mph taking 6.6 seconds.
Search Used Volkswagen GolfPeugeot 308 PHEV
Over 200mpg is the official figure quoted by Peugeot for the stylish 308 hatchback, but in perfect conditions. That said, it should be easy to see over 60mpg with ease in your everyday driving.
The 308 is quite the looker in the hatchback market too, and offers decent five-door practicality and a smart interior, full of great tech.
It will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in around 7.5 seconds, meaning it will still feel quick enough for the everyday too, along with offering around 35 miles of electric range.
Search New Peugeot 308 Search Used Peugeot 308Ford Fiesta
It seems a little crazy to think that Ford discontinued the Fiesta in July 2023, as it has been, without doubt, one of the most popular cars on UK roads for generations.
But, with the rise of SUVs, and now more compact SUVs, Ford felt the Fiesta was being outshone by models like its Puma.
That said, a used Fiesta is still a sought-after car, and with petrol models able to hit over 50mpg, and diesel versions over 60mpg, it's one of the few cars in our list that isn't a hybrid, yet still offers fantastic economy, at an affordable price.
It may have been discontinued, but the humble little Fiesta is still a fine, good-to-drive, practical, and economical little hatchback.
Search Used Ford FiestaKia Niro Hybrid
You can see up to 280mpg in this small family SUV, and yes, Kia knows a thing or two about making solid family SUVs, hence the Sportage's mention above.
Like all cars in the list, the manufacturer claims are in perfect conditions, but you should still see around 30 to 40 miles of electric range, along with a more easily achievable 50 to 60mpg.
If the Sportage is a little too big for your needs, then the Niro Hybrid could be the perfect alternative.
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Hyundai IONIQ PHEV
With the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 electric Hyundais, the older IONIQ PHEV is still a very good used car to buy if you want a car that offers great economy.
Again, like the Toyota Prius mentioned earlier, many IONIQ PHEVs are used as Taxis, and that's due to their 5-year Hyundai warranty from new, and the fact they offer over 250mpg.
That's in perfect conditions, but you should see over 82mpg easily enough, plus you'll get around 39 miles of electric range.
If you're after a decent used car offering excellent mpg, the Hyundai IONIQ PHEV is worth checking out.
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