If fuel efficiency is important to you, then consider the most fuel-efficient new cars on sale in South Africa!
What are the most fuel-efficient new cars in South Africa? Check out this list!
The cost of running a car is often overlooked by car buyers, and fuel consumption is an important cost consideration when you are shopping for a new or used car.
Fuel prices are generally on the rise which means that the cost of travel is increasing. By choosing to drive a more fuel-efficient car, you will save hundreds and thousands of Rands per annum.
This list includes both petrol and diesel-powered cars but excludes New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) such as Battery Electric cars, Hybrids and Plug-In Hybrids.
The list is generated using claimed manufacturer fuel consumption figures. Note that real-world fuel consumption will vary depending on many factors such driving style, road conditions, load etc and therefore this list should only be used as a guide.
Most fuel-efficient cars in South Africa for 2025
Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Vitz automatic – 4.2 L/100km
The automatic versions of the Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Vitz are the most fuel-efficient cars in South Africa, both claiming an excellent 4.2L/100km. Suzuki products are well known for returning impressive real-world fuel economy and as a result of the Suzuki-Toyota product share agreement, the Toyota-badged Vitz benefits from the same frugal engine.
The engine under the bonnet is a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm on offer and mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Note that the manual derivatives of the Celerio and Vitz claim a fuel efficiency figure of 4.4 L/100km which is also well worth considering if you prefer to drive a manual car.
Pricing for the Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL automatic starts at R225 900 while the Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR automatic is priced at R239 900.
Buy a used Suzuki Celerio on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Toyota Vitz on Cars.co.za
Suzuki S-Presso automatic – 4.4 L/100km
In addition to the aforementioned Celerio and Vitz, the Suzuki S-Presso is also recognised as one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars available with the S-Presso automatic derivative claiming 4.4 L/100km while the manual derivatives claim 4.6 L/100km.
The S-Presso is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) or a 5-speed manual transmission.
Pricing for the Suzuki S-Presso starts from R178 900 and goes up to R219 900. The S-Presso 1.0 GL automatic is priced at R192 900 while the GL+ automatic is priced from R203 900.
Buy a used Suzuki S-Presso on Cars.co.za
Mercedes-Benz CLA 220d – 4.4 L/100km
The Mercedes-Benz CLA received a subtle facelift in 2023 and C220d is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 140 kW and 400 Nm with a fuel efficiency claim of 4.4 L/100km. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard. The CLA is offered in 2 trim guises including Progressive, priced from R969 256 and the AMG Line from R998 956. The CLA 220d is the most fuel-efficient new diesel car on sale right now.
Buy a Mercedes-Benz CLA on Cars.co.za
Mercedes-Benz A200d sedan – 4.5 L/100km
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz A200d sedan employs a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 110 kW and 320 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz claims 4.5 L/100km.
The A200d Progressive sedan is priced from R970 614 while pricing for the A200d AMG Line starts from R1 000 314.
Buy a used Mercedes-Benz A-Class on Cars.co.za
Mercedes-Benz C220d – 4.7 L/100km
Mercedes-Benz claims the third position on this list with its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine proving to be the most efficient, this time applied in the mild-hybrid C-Class sedan with 147 kW and 440 Nm and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine is said to return 4.7 L/100km.
Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220d starts from R1 134 587.
Also see: W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan (2014-2021) Buyer’s Guide
Buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class on Cars.co.za
Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI – 4.8 L/100km
The Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI claims the third spot on this list with the German firm claiming 4.8 L/100km.
The Audi A1 is powered by a peppy turbocharged, 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The A1 Sportback 30TFSI Advanced is priced from R530 900 while the A1 Sportback 30TFSI Black Edition is priced from R593 390.
Buy a used Audi A1 on Cars.co.za
BMW 2 Series 220d – 4.8L/100km
The new BMW 2 Series came to market in 2022 and the 220d is particularly efficient with BMW claiming 4.8L/100km.
The 2 Series can be had in either Gran coupe or Coupe guise and the 2.0-litre turbocharged 220d offers 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque and comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing for the BMW 2 Series 220d Coupe is priced from R905 037.
Buy a BMW 2 Series on Cars.co.za
Fiat 500 – 4.8 L/100 km
A facelifted Fiat 500 arrived in South Africa in 2024 and can be had in either Base or Style trim.
The charming Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that offers 51 kW and 102 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
Pricing for the Fiat 500 starts from R308 900.
Buy a used Fiat 500 on Cars.co.za
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.0TSI GT – 4.8 L/100km
The VW Polo Vivo received an update in 2024 and the range-topping Polo Vivo GT is the most fuel-efficient derivative in the lineup with Volkswagen claiming an impressive 4.8 L/100km!
Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers 81 kW and 200Nm and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Pricing for the Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT starts from R363 100.
Buy a used Volkswagen Polo Vivo on Cars.co.za
BMW 420d Coupe – 4.8 L/100km
The BMW 420d Coupe employs the same 140 kW / 400 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that’s found in the BMW 2 Series (see above) and it too is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 4 Series is offered as a Coupe, Gran Coupe or Convertible.
BMW claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.8 L/100km for the 420d Coupe (priced from R1 045 373) while the 420d Gran Coupe (priced from R1 046 044) claims 5 L/100km.
