Best Fuel Efficient Cars
Top Fuel Efficient Cars in New Zealand
Looking for a fuel efficient new car that comes at a reasonable price, but doesn't compromise on safety, style and environmental friendliness? Check out NZS.com's top picks for the best fuel efficient new cars available in New Zealand.
The NZS.com Best Fuel Efficient Cars article contains information on the best and most affordable fuel efficient cars that do not compromise on style and safety.
Decided that enough is enough with these rising petrol prices, and you want to explore the options of a more fuel efficient car which will save you money in the long term? Lost for lack on information on the best fuel efficient cars in New Zealand? Read on to find out where to start and how to decide which car will be right for you.
There used to be a common maxim amongst New Zealand drivers that while small cars were fuel efficient, big cars were safer and thus a better choice for your family. While once it was only the bigger, luxury cars that came with extensive safety features, almost all new cars come with airbags at the least, and many now offer several driver-assisting features (some gimmicky, some purely for safety). With the price of petrol continually rising, it may be time for you to trade in your old gas-guzzler in favour of a swift, frugal new set of wheels. Small cars are now just as safe, if not safer than their road blocking counterparts, so what are you waiting for?
Choosing a fuel efficient car doesn't have to involve trawling around your city's car dealers asking questions and collecting promotional pamphlets, each claiming its car to be the best. If fuel efficiency is your main goal, but you also want a car that is safe, reliable, easier on the environment and stylish as well, this list of cars should point you in the right direction.
If you are after a family car:
Citroen C4
This French 5-door hatchback is a great family car with comfortable room for five and a price tag of under $40,000 for a new model. It has a 1.6 litre diesel engine and is a peppy 6-speed manual, and averages a brilliant 4.5 litres of petrol to 100kms. It has a five out of five star driver safety rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP). The C4 is conservative in form with a more modern variation on the traditional avant-garde Citroen style.
Top pick for safety:
VW Golf
With all of the same features of the Citroen C4 on a more stylised chassis, the German-made Golf one-ups the C4 by producing equal fuel efficiency at 4.5litre/100kms but has a larger, faster engine at 1.9 litres for the standard TDI diesel. The Golf regularly takes the top spot for safety in Europe, and also has a five star rating from ANCAP. It has sportier styling than the C4, but families however, may find fitting 5 people a bit of a squeeze when compared to the French counterpart. Also priced under $40,000.
In need of an eco-friendly option?
Toyota Prius
The catalyst for the Hybrid car revolution, the Toyota Prius, is actually slightly less efficient than the Citroen and VW diesels - exemplifying the strength of modern-day diesel engines over other alternative energy solutions. The Prius however still only uses a thrifty 4.9litres/100kms and is a larger sedan-styled car than the hatchbacks. Once at a comfortable cruising mode, the fuel lines cut out in favour of the electric engine which can power the car along comfortably - and therefore significantly reducing fuel emissions into the airspace. This is a great car for the environmentally minded, and those not fazed by unusual hunched styling.
Looking for a sporty hot hatch?
Peugeot 207
A smaller hatchback-style car than the Golf and the C4, the Peugeot has your pocket in mind - as it starts under $25,000. Like the C4 the 207 has refined bug-like French styling, but is more suited to singles or couples with an eye for racy design over family usage. Averaging 4.8litres/100kms, this 1.6 litre diesel is full of both safety features and luxury extras on request. Another 5 star safety rating.
Won't settle for anything but the newest in style and design?
Fiat 500
Just a new entry to the fuel efficiency market in 2008, the Fiat 500 blows many of the other models out of the water by using just 4.2litres/100kms. This light car is only a 3 door so not suitable for families, but features retro styling taken from the iconic Fiat Bambina which will please style gurus. 1.2 litre diesel engine and starting at under $25,000, the 500 has a 4 star safety rating from ANCAP.
Ready to buy? Find New Zealand car dealers in the NZS.com directory.
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Motoring images from Flickr: VW Golf, Traffic Lights and Motorway.
