Are the most economical cars making financial sense?
Yes. Year after year, Irish drivers are struggling with the running costs of their cars. Motor tax, car insurance, maintenance, NCT, tolls, fuel etc – when you put them together, you realise they make up a small fortune every year. And with the fuel shortage and rising prices, it is only expected that people will prioritise economy versus other aspects when making their next car purchase.
Now, driving a super small economical car isn’t for everybody, different people have different needs. But we can certainly recommend fuel-efficient and cheap-to-run cars for every budget and functionality. Here are our top economical cars to buy in Ireland in 2023, sorted by their MPG (Miles per Gallon). For standardisation purposes, for fully electric vehicles we are using MPGe (Miles per Gallon Equivalent), where 1 gallon of gasoline = 33.7 kWh. Miles per Gallon equivalent (MPGe) helps you compare the fuel economy of vehicles that use fuels that are not measured in gallons, such as electricity, natural gas, and hydrogen. It represents the number of miles the vehicle can go using a quantity of fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline.
1. Nissan Leaf 104 MPGe
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D. has welcomed the Cabinet’s decision last year to approve publication of a report that lays out a pathway for Ireland to reach its ambitious targets of 180,000 Electric Vehicles (EVs) on our roads by 2025 and 936,000 by 2030. The future of Ireland will be electric, so many Irish drivers are already converting to electric vehicles (EV), aside from emissions and quietness, a big reason behind being the running costs. The Nissan Leaf was one of the first fully electric vehicles to be mass-produced and has since enjoyed sales success as more people transition to EVs. Like all electric cars, the Leaf costs nothing in road tax, while maintenance is cheaper too in theory. If you can charge it at home, further savings can be achieved for each kilometre you drive compared to petrol or diesel. A full charge on a home tariff will cost a fraction of what you would pay for a tank of fuel. Nissan claims a range of 385 km for its e+ model and 270 km for the standard version. The Leaf happens to be one of the cheapest electric cars too. It is no surprise that many taxi drivers in Ireland are choosing a Nissan Leaf, not only for a good deal on their taxi insurance but also for being so economical to run.
2. Skoda Octavia 65.7 MPG
Throughout the years, the Skoda Octavia was always roomier than most of its direct competitors, making it a top option for a family car. Providing generous rear seat space and a big boot, this is a purchase you can’t go wrong with regardless of the engine you pick. Their latest version was designed around the idea to offer a bit more aesthetically than previous iterations. On the outside we have eye-catching big wheels and chrome grilles, and inside you’ll find a beautiful infotainment system, although it’s optional. All these improvements, coupled with an impressive fuel efficiency of 65.7 MPG make Skoda Octavia an obvious top choice when it comes to the most economical cars here in Ireland.
3. Mazda 2 60.1 MPG
Low fuel consumption is not something Mazda used to be famous for but lately they have been focusing on fuel efficiency along with their smart engineering and innovative petrol engines. The new Mazda 2 hatchback is a mild hybrid, hence it comes equipped with a 89bhp version of the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine paired with a small battery that stores recuperated energy and uses it to save some fuel. Although it’s only relying on a battery and the low weight of the car, Mazda 2 manages to squeeze an impressive 60.1 MPG, a figure more usual among cars with a full electric backup motor. Mazda are notoriously fun to drive, so considering that this mild hybrid model is as cheap to run as its diesel equivalent, it should be a great purchase for Irish drivers.
4. Honda Jazz 60 MPG
If comfort is still a very important factor for you along with economy, Honda Jazz will definitely tick that box. Despite being a small city car, it presents a certain level of luxury, offering a smooth ride that small cars often lack. Add to that the feeling of spaciousness once in the car, with good materials and an infotainment screen. Along with comfort, Honda Jazz also benefitted of some advanced technological implements that help with fuel efficiency and improved MPG (60) if you drive carefully. The car is overall cheap, with a discounted tax rate and low insurance bracket. And the new 2023 Honda Jazz model is a hybrid, so it should score even better at MPG.
5. Suzuki Swift 59.7 MPG
Suzuki quotes a 59.7 MPG fuel consumption for the 82bhp Swift supermini, which is what you would expect from a small city car. How does the Suzuki Swift return such a good mpg? It’s a mild hybrid car, with a 1.2-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor generator unit. Even though the battery isn’t big enough to allow electric-only driving, its role is to help the engine while accelerating, hence improving the car’s fuel efficiency.
6. Kia Picanto 58.9 MPG
Thanks to its super low weight and tiny 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, the spicy little Kia Picanto hatchback can reward you with up to 58.9 MPG. A true city car, which means it will lack in other departments like power. If you’re driving mostly around the town, the lack of power will hardly ever factor in but once you’re out on the motorway you will have to work that engine hard to keep up with the traffic.
7. Ford Focus 56.5 MPG
According to the manufacturer, the 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine of the Ford Focus rewards you with a decent 56.5 MPG. Being a mild hybrid now, Ford Focus is quite popular for its fuel consumption and enjoyable driving experience. In the interior, the comfortable space and the superior level of standard equipment are appealing to buyers. Not to mention that the fresh style facelift Focus received this year it only adds to the appeal. So, even if the boot is not as big as some of the competitors’ and the warranty is not a generous either, Ford Focus is still perceived as one of the most economical cars on the market.
8. Dacia Sandero 53 MPG
This care was designed with one thing in mind: low running costs. Thus, Dacia Sandero remains almost undisputed in the race for value and economy, even though it doesn’t
come with a hybrid variant. They come equipped with petrol engines of 1.0-litre units, but the TCe 90 option will give you more than 53 MPG and a decent level of performance. No diesel option is available, but the 1.0-litre petrol/LPG-powered TCe 100 Bi-Fuel is an option for those who commute a lot. The interior reflects the budget, of course, but you have to cut somewhere. Still, the new versions are greatly improved compared to the older ones in terms of comfort and equipment. And insurance and maintenance won’t cost you an arm and a leg too.
Addon James
Whether you’re a lifelong car lover or simply intrigued by the world of cars, this exploration will leave you with a deepened understanding and appreciation for the artistry, innovation, and joy that cars and driving bring to our lives.
