Fuel prices have reached record highs throughout 2022. Indeed, it now costs over £100 to fill the average family car with petrol. In this climate, it’s more important than ever before to get a fuel-efficient car for your family – especially if your current vehicle’s mileage is creeping up. And you don’t have to buy a brand-new car to get a fuel-efficient one. If you buy used cars they can also perform for you to a similar level. Below, we explore some of the most economical family cars you can buy.
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia hatchback is one of the most fuel-efficient family cars you can buy. There are a range of different engines available, but the best is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid engine that returns 56.5mpg. As a result, this isn’t the speediest or most nimble hatchback available, but will save you plenty of money in the long term.
Audi A3
The Audi A3 Sport Hatchback is another fuel-efficient vehicle, with a figure of 55.4mpg. This is partly because it has the exact same engine as the Skoda Octavia. There are other similarities too, with both cars being practical hatchbacks for the family. However, the Audi is slightly zippier and more exciting, making it better if you like to have a bit of energy in your car.
Peugeot 308 SW
The Peugeot 308 SW comes in at 54.9mpg. This is despite it using a full petrol engine, rather than using a hybrid form. The French five-door hatchback isn’t the quickest of the cars on the list, but it does provide a sleek style, combined with an eight-speed gearbox and quality infotainment. What’s more, its credentials for the family are boosted further by a wider wheelbase, providing everyone in the car with more legroom as well as extra boot space.
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
Finally, the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is another excellent, economic family car to add to the list. It uses the same engine as the Peugeot 308 resulting in an mpg of 54.3. However, it does generate an exciting 205Nm of torque, making it a fun, agile car to drive. This dovetails neatly with a wonderful ride quality, allowing you to really enjoy your journeys with this car – be it through the city or through the country. As a downside, it isn’t as spacious as the Peugeot or some of the other vehicles above, but it certainly stands out if you’re looking for a more exciting option.
Upgrading to a more fuel-efficient car can save you a lot of money in the long run. And by picking any car from the list above, you should be set to enjoy the benefits.