There are now many economical cars. Even those that are purely electrically operated no longer emit any local CO2 emissions. However, not all types of drive are suitable for the numerous different vehicle classes. In our Top 5, we show you a small overview of which cars in their segment are among the most fuel-efficient of their kind.
Fiat 500e: electric small car hero made in Italy
Electric cars make most sense when they are small and light. Both apply to the Fiat 500e. Thanks to the heavy batteries, almost 1,400 kilograms have to be moved here too, but compared to the electric luxury class, these are just peanuts. Fiat itself specifies a combined WLTP standard consumption value of just 13.0 kWh per 100 kilometers (CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km)² for the 500e Action. This makes the little Italian on paper the most economical electric car that can be bought in Germany. Prices start at 32,990 euros.
The AutoScout24 test editors judged the Fiat 500e Icon with 42 kWh battery as follows:
“So if you don’t plan to use the 500e for longer distances, you should be well served with it, right? Definitely. We couldn’t find anything seriously negative in our test phase. The Nuova 500 drives crisply, is a pleasure to watch and offers in absolutely sufficient range in the city to be able to drive around for several days without recharging.”
Read the full Fiat 500e review now
VW Golf 8: class leader with economical petrol drive
The Volkswagen Golf 8 surprised. Not only because of its still conservative exterior, but also because of its initial susceptibility to errors when it came to the infotainment system. But little can be criticized when talking about the engines at Wolfsburg. In particular, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder eTSI with mild electrification ensures driving pleasure and at the same time restraint at the pump. A combined WLTP standard consumption of 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers speaks for itself, the combined CO2 emissions are 98 grams per kilometer². The Golf 8 1.0 eTSI is in the German price list from 29,515 euros. By the way: Skoda and Seat also offer comparably economical models on the same group platform.
This is what the AutoScout24 test editors say about the VW Golf 8 1.0 eTSI:
“The Golf remains true to itself in its eighth generation. At least when it comes to driving. The engine, transmission, steering and chassis work together in the best unit, the noise insulation is to be positively emphasized. The 1.0 eTSI mild hybrid drive even satisfies demanding minds, is Astonishingly elastic and can be driven quite economically. As a car, the Golf keeps the competition at a distance.”
Read the entire test report on the VW Golf now
Kia Ceed SW PHEV: Korean savings combination as a plug-in hybrid
Plug-in hybrids have been criticized. Many blame the part-time electric vehicles that they are real fuel destroyers apart from their short electric range. Yes, is that right? Kia proves the opposite, at least with the Ceed SW plug-in hybrid. Although the low WLTP standard consumption values of 1.1 liters and 9.3 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometers (combined CO2 emissions: 28 g/km)² largely come from the laboratory, the Koreans surprised the AutoScout24 test with its high everyday electric range and a low overall consumption of six liters per 100 kilometers. Before deducting the environmental bonus, the Kia Ceed SW PHEV costs at least 34,990 euros.
This is what the AutoScout24 test editors say about the Kia Ceed SW PHEV:
“Despite minor impasses: The Kia Ceed SW plug-in hybrid is almost in the category of the jack of all trades. Real 50 kilometers purely electric range, otherwise consumption of 6 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers and the comparatively low basic price (after deducting the innovation bonus ) make him a real everyday hero. As a company car owner, you’re also happy to only have to pay tax on 0.50 percent of the new car’s gross list price.”
Read the entire Kia Ceed SW PHEV review now
BMW X6 xDrive40d: The diesel lives on in the SUV
Big, heavy and above all thirsty. In many places, SUVs are preceded by a negative image, although this prejudice does not apply to all offshoots of this vehicle category. Of course it depends on the engine. Using the example of the X6 xDrive40d, BMW shows how a 340 hp diesel engine can still be driven with low consumption. With a combined 7.9 to 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (combined CO2 emissions: 206-179 g/km²), BMW itself specifies the consumption, and our test editors were able to confirm that stinginess. The BMW X6 xDrive40d costs at least 86,600 euros.
The AutoScout24 test team came to the following conclusion for the BMW X6 xDrive40d:
“Behind every hard shell there is a soft core. If you swap soft for economical, that definitely applies to the BMW X6 xDrive40d. The 340 hp Bavarian amazes with its low average consumption of 7.6 liters, combined with a brisk driving style. The fact that this level of economy in the luxury class segment has its price is another matter.”
Toyota Mirai II: second-generation hydrogen pioneer
Toyota remains loyal to hydrogen and, with the Mirai II, already has the second generation of its fuel cell sedan on the market. It’s cheaper, just as nicer to look at, and nothing but pure water still comes out of the exhaust. What sounds like a clever concept for clean mobility stands and falls with the way in which the hydrogen is obtained. Incidentally, the Japanese themselves speak of a combined energy consumption of 0.89 to 0.79 kilograms of hydrogen per 100 kilometers; There are no CO2 emissions. Prices start at 63,900 euros.
The conclusion of the AutoScout24 test editors is:
“With the second Mirai generation, Toyota is still pursuing the ambitious plan of not putting all its cards solely on battery-electric locomotion in the future. The Japanese have always been suspicious of large batteries in even larger cars and therefore the fuel cell is the silver bullet for them. Also In the AutoScout24 test, the Toyota Mirai II performed well in most areas.”
Read the full Toyota Mirai II review now
Conclusion
Our top 5 economical car models show that there are now many different ways of reducing energy costs when driving. We also see that saving fuel does not have to be at the expense of comfort or performance. Electric cars have finally outgrown their niche existence, they are particularly suitable for short and medium distances without restrictions.
On the other hand, if you drive a lot and far, you will not make a mistake with a diesel in the coming years. The classic petrol engine, on the other hand, has become significantly more economical thanks to the use of 48-volt mild hybrid technology; Plug-in hybrids go even further and, depending on the model, can definitely score with low energy costs. The hydrogen drive remains a case for experimentation. It significantly combines the advantages of fast refueling with electric, locally CO2-free mobility. However, the latter is only an advantage for the environment if the hydrogen was obtained exclusively from green energy. (Text: tv | Images: tv/mp-as24)