As petrol prices return to (and begin to exceed) pre-pandemic levels, fuel efficiency continues to be a desirable trait for new car purchases.
On October 2021, the national Australian price of unleaded petrol reached a record high of 195.5 cents per litre.
This was in stark contrast to the height of the pandemic – during nationwide lockdowns, with more people working from home, driving less – where petrol prices dipped to their lowest in 22 years.
Therefore, with fuel prices returning to (and exceeding) pre-pandemic levels, fuel economy remains to be a desirable trait for new car purchases. So, if you plan on buying a new set of wheels in the coming months, here is a quick rundown of the most fuel-efficient, non-electric cars in 2021 – and beyond.
Most Fuel-Efficient Small Cars
Skoda Fabia 2021
Appearing on best-of lists curated by the likes of Budget Direct, Cars Guide and eCarz, the Skoda Fabia has won praise for its impressive fuel efficiency (4.5L/100km) and sleek design, combined with a spacious and comfortable interior that rivals the best small cars on the market
Toyota Prius 2021
Aside from being one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles out there (3.5L/100km), the Toyota Prius 2021 boasts a number of technological upgrades. One such is the addition of the Toyota Safety Suite 2.0, which contains a range of intelligent features designed to help protect you and your passengers, including road sign assist and pre-collision detection.
Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid 2021
When it comes to choosing a fuel-efficient SUV, these days you have more choices than ever. This is most evident in the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid range. Here, you can choose between the front-drive model (4.7L/100km) and all-wheel drive variant (4.8L/100km), both of which surprisingly excel in the fuel efficiency department.
In fact, even the standard, non-hybrid cruiser boasts an impressive fuel consumption (6.8L/100km), which is a feat considering the notoriety of SUV’s as thirsty petrol guzzlers.
Volvo XC60 2021
Powered by a robust 4 cylinder 2.0L diesel engine, the Volvo XC60 2021 model has an average fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km. This comes with an 8 speed automatic, spacious five seat interior, and advanced safety features like automatically activated hazard lights.
Despite SUV’s having a poor reputation when it comes to fuel economy, due to their heavy load and larger tyres, the introduction of hybrid technology is making the dream of a fuel-efficient SUV a reality
Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans
Hyundai Ioniq PHEV 2021
As a premium plug-in hybrid, the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV 2021 is a tough match to beat. When equipped with 15-inch wheels it has an average fuel consumption of 3.4L/100km and 3.9L/100km when equipped with 17-inch wheels.
Furthermore, the Ioniq has an electric range of 63km under the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) standard, which is 18km higher than the Toyota Prius 2021.
The Honda Accord has been a longstanding favourite among suburban families for years. And now, with the new Hybrid editions on the market, now you can enjoy the benefits of a spacious and comfortable you would expect from a sedan – combined with great fuel efficiency. The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid has an average fuel consumption of 4.3L/100km, combined with a 1 speed automatic and 5-star safety rating.
