The end of every month has many South Africans at the edge of their seats wondering if the following Wednesday will see them queuing up at the fuel pump to fill up on the last drops of petrol before the price increases, or if the fuel price will decrease, bringing much-needed relief to their pockets. Either way, petrol isn’t cheap, so owning a car that isn’t a fuel guzzler helps ease the pain of forking out cash to keep you on the road.
2024 has proven to be a year of hope regarding petrol prices as we watched the numbers slowly drop at the petrol station. But we can’t always be so confident. Recently, Business Times shared an article about the estimated November prices and listed many estimated cost increases, such as a three cents per litre increase for Petrol 93 and a 14 cents per litre rise for Petrol 95.
In other words, there is never a good time to become complacent about fuel efficiency and its potential impact on your wallet.
Car manufacturers use a standardised driving cycle to determine a vehicle’s fuel consumption. This is usually a simulated process that doesn’t involve driving on an actual road. The simulation includes periods of acceleration under load, coasting and idling.
Engine power and capacity affect how much fuel your car will need to get going and stay there. If you’re in the market for your first or next car, these are models that will help save you a few bucks when you pull up at the filling station.
Introduced over a decade ago, the Fiat 500 has had a few regular updates, both on the exterior and the interior. But the Fiat 500 0.9 T model is perfect for people looking for fuel efficiency and a speedy, stylish and sporty car with a bang for their buck.
This compact and stylish hatchback is a highly fuel-efficient car with an automatic transmission. It achieves a remarkable 4.0 litres per 100km and has a 35-litre fuel tank capacity. Fiat’s renowned MultiAir technology is ever-present in this car—for example, the turbocharged two-cylinder engine is small and low-budget. This stands at a price of R233 900.00.
Also, its urban-suited design ensures the engine doesn’t guzzle all that petrol in those stop-start traffic jams.
With its fuel-efficient technology, fair price, and city-suited design and style, this car is well-balanced and provides satisfaction from all angles.
At R225 900.00, this Suzuki model offers a fuel efficiency of 4.2 litres for every 100 kilometres to a 1.0-litre petrol engine with a horsepower of around 66. The transmission can be either manual or automatic, with the added benefit of light steering with a multifunctional steering wheel. Beyond the fuel efficiency, you will never have to feel unsafe as this vehicle comes with stability, control, ABS and EBD Brake Assist, and dual front airbags. It is a light, safe, and fuel-efficient experience.
Toyota’s legacy as a fuel-efficient vehicle brand is well-known by South Africans across all generations, and the Corolla Cross is no different. It has an automatic transmission and a 1.8L petrol hybrid engine, with fuel efficiency of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres. All this is offered at a fair starting price of R486,100.00
Hondas are known for their dependability and durability. They are claimed to last over 200,000 kilometres, an ongoing reason for individuals to purchase these vehicles. The added benefit is that all those kilometres won’t eat through your money at the petrol station.
This fuel-efficient, automatic car is a petro-electric hybrid. Its fuel efficiency is 3.71 litres for 100 kilometres, and you’ll need to budget R544,900.00 to buy it.
Honda is perfect if you’re looking for a sustainable, long-term investment that will last without breaking the bank.
Like Toyota, Ford’s fuel economy is legendary. The Ford Fiesta may have transformed its shape, but its fuel efficiency remains sought-after.
The compact hatch is spacious and has decent specifications. Choosing the 1.5 TDCi version gives you an impressive claimed average of 3.3 litres/100km. The Fiesta’s turbo diesel engine is powerful enough to get things done without guzzling fuel, proving that dynamite does come in small packages.
Another city-cruising hatchback, the Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR, has a fuel efficiency of 4.2 litres for every 100 kilometres and two transmission options: manual and automatic. Its engine type is 1.0L petrol, with around 66 horsepower. As it is targeted at first-time buyers, the starting price is budget-friendly, at R239,900.00.
This model is for you if you want a well-balanced, urban-designed vehicle with features geared toward safety, comfort, reliability, and excellent fuel efficiency.
Volkswagen Polot Vito GT 1.0TSI is a fuel-efficient bargain starting at R346,900.00. It offers a manual transmission, a 1.0L turbo petrol engine, and around 109 horsepower.
This Volkswagen model is perfect for urban driving. Its four-cylinder engine uses only 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
With a well-known focus on sustainability, it is no surprise that a Mahindra model would be highly fuel-efficient.
It uses only 4.8 litres for every 100 kilometres, runs on diesel fuel, and provides approximately 116 horsepower. This manual vehicle starts at R378.099.00, and as a significantly well-respected brand—You will get your money’s worth.
Since its introduction to local shores in 2016, the Renault Kwid has remained a popular budget car in South Africa. Its size, standard features and fuel economy are reasons why sales continue to climb as the French model continues to evolve.
With a 1.0 litre engine and approximately 67 horsepower, you can choose a manual or automatic transmission at the starting price of R196,999.00 and a fuel efficiency of 4.9 litres for every 100 kilometres.
At a starting price of R492,200, this city-slicking Sportback packs approximately 166 horsepower and has a fuel efficiency of 4.8 litres for every 100 kilometres plus a 1.0-litre engine.
You also won’t miss out on what Audi is known for: its high-quality interiors. Complete with advanced technology, high-grade material, and easy seating, choosing this model could mean riding in comfort and style, all without financial drain.
Your car could be the best at saving fuel, but how you drive it also plays a part in how much you spend at the garage. Harsh acceleration, sudden braking, speeding, driving at inconsistent speeds and extended idling are all driving behaviours that can increase your car’s fuel consumption.
A smart telematics solution like Cartrack monitors driver behaviour, helping you see where the fuel wastage is. Whether you need to slow down when approaching the robots, or take the less scenic route to work, your driving information is available on the Cartrack app to help you manage your fuel consumption smartly.
With a Cartrack tracking unit in your car, no matter how far your car can go on a tank of fuel, you can rest assured that our digital eyes will always have it in sight. Contact us today for ultimate peace of mind and find out why #DriversLoveUs
The end of every month has many South Africans at the edge of their seats wondering if the following Wednesday will see them queuing up at the fuel pump
