The most fuel-efficient cars in 2020

David Banks
Authored by David Banks
Posted: Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - 11:36

As we enter a new year and a new decade, the issue of global warming and climate change continues to dominate headlines all over the world. It is undoubtedly a global issue, with wide-ranging and far-reaching consequences. So, how can we do our bit to address the problem? 

A huge contributing factor is fuel emissions, with millions of us all over the country relying on motor vehicles to get us from A to B. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that road traffic in Great Britain has increased 29% between 1990 and 2018 – from 255 billion miles to 328bn. 

The same report reveals that total fuel use for road transport remained relatively stable over that period, however, with manufacturers placing greater importance on fuel efficiency, while it was recently reported that some polluting vehicles could be removed from sale. With that in mind, which are the most fuel-efficient cars for 2020? 

Skoda Octavia 

Named the best family vehicle by What Car? Magazine in five of the last six years, the Octavia also offers fantastic fuel economy, which will not be too heavily compromised even if you decide on a model with a little more zip. It’s also extremely competitively priced. 

Honda Civic 

Refreshed as recently as December last year, this family hatchback has proven a popular choice among UK drivers for years, and it’s not difficult to see why. It boasts a bold look and a classy interior finish, but where it really stands out is the excellent efficiency of both its petrol and diesel engines – among the best in the market. 

Toyota Prius 

This hybrid model is now in its fourth generation, offering plenty of interior space and style to suit a wide demographic. As the most expensive of our quintet of cars, you may wish to protect your investment and guard against depreciation by taking out a gap insurance policy with Direct Gap. With extremely low running costs, the Prius’ combination of petrol and electric motor makes it an ideal option for those looking to do their bit for the environment.  

Renault Clio 

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of its introduction, the Clio has undergone many facelifts down the years but one thing that remains constant is its excellent fuel efficiency. The 1.5 litre dCi 85 diesel stands out within the Clio range, offering 67.2 miles to the gallon, while other models are close behind. 

Hyundai Ioniq 

Available as a hybrid, a plug-in and an electric vehicle, the Ioniq is setting the standards across the industry when it comes to reducing fuel emissions The hybrid, for example, emits just 85g of CO2 per kilometre, so you can be confident you’d be minimising your impact on the environment.