In light of the recent increase in fuel prices, we take a look at fuel-efficient vehicles

By Timothy Albrite

Fuel prices went up after the new government eliminated fuel subsidies, requiring motorists to dig deeper into their pockets to fuel their vehicles. Potential car buyers are now looking for fuel-efficient vehicles that do not hurt the pockets.

As a result, we have decided to compile a list of fuel-efficient vehicles that can be fueled and maintained in the wake of the high fuel prices.

Honda Fit

If you’re looking for a small hatchback, the Honda Fit, as the name suggests, is a good choice. It has a decent and refined ride quality for its class, a comfortable interior that can comfortably seat four adults, and it looks good. The boot space is quite spacious, making it a practical vehicle.

The Honda Fit is available in four grades in our market: 13G with a 1300cc engine, 15x with a 1500cc engine, RS with a 1500cc engine tuned for extra power, and a 1500cc hybrid. The 1300cc engines in the Honda Fit get 26km/l on average, the 1500cc get 21km/l, and the 1500cc hybrid gets 36km/l on average. These figures demonstrate that running a Honda Fit is cost effective and that it is an excellent value when looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle.

The Nissan Note

The Nissan Note has become a popular vehicle on our roads for good reason; it is a spacious hatchback, larger in size than the Honda Fit and similar vehicles, and it offers excellent fuel economy. In our market, it is available with three engine options: a 1200cc petrol engine, a 1500cc engine, and a 1200cc petrol with DIG-S, which means it is supercharged. Nissan worked hard to create the DIG-S, a powerful hatchback with low fuel consumption.

The Note offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, making it a practical choice for families or those who need more space than a smaller hatchback.

Volkswagen Golf

If you’re looking for an European car that is fun to drive but will not make you break the bank every time you stop for fueling, the VW Golf is the vehicle for you. Volkswagen has embraced technology that allows the VW Golf to pack a punch while also being fun to drive. The ride quality, interior, and exterior feel much more refined than Japanese competitors in the same class, making it an appealing option.

IST Toyota

The Toyota IST is a compact car with a 1.5-liter or 1.8-liter engine. It is larger than regular small Toyota vehicles like the Vitz or Passo and has enough space to transport luggage. It seats 5 adults and uses little fuel. It is a good choice for someone looking for an affordable and compact car with slightly more size and power.

Mazda Axela

Mazda’s SkyActiv technology is intended to boost performance while lowering fuel consumption. Mazda Axela, a 1500cc hatchback with an average fuel consumption of 15-17km/l, incorporates the technology. It’s a good choice for someone looking for a fun-to-drive car with good looks, a decent boot space, and good fuel economy.

Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 is a stylish and fun-to-drive hatchback that offers good fuel efficiency. It’s available with a variety of engine options, including the 1.2-liter PureTech petrol engine, the 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel engine, and the 1.2-liter PureTech petrol engine with electric motor.

The 208’s stylish design and comfortable interior make it a great choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and performance. Its responsive handling and powerful engine make it enjoyable to drive. Despite not being as reliable as some Japanese brands, the 208 offers a compact yet comfortable interior. With a fuel consumption of 16-20 km/l in the city and 21-25 km/l on the highway, it’s a fuel-efficient option.

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is a reliable and affordable compact hatchback known for its fuel efficiency. It offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior for its size, making it a practical choice for those seeking a budget-friendly vehicle. The Swift is available with a range of engine options, including a 1.2-liter petrol engine and a 1.0-liter Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine. For those seeking a sportier driving experience, the Swift RS is available with a more powerful engine and upgraded suspension.

Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in traffic, and its comfortable interior provides a pleasant driving experience. With a fuel consumption of 17-21 km/l in the city and 22-26 km/l on the highway, the Swift is a fuel-efficient option. Known for its durability and low maintenance costs, the Swift is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable vehicle.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a reliable and practical sedan known for its durability. Available in both sedan and hatchback versions, it offers a spacious interior and a comfortable ride, making it suitable for families or those who need more cargo space than a hatchback. The Corolla is equipped with a range of engine options, including a 1.6-liter petrol engine and a 1.8-liter petrol engine, catering to different driving needs. With a fuel consumption of 15-19 km/l in the city and 20-24 km/l on the highway, the Corolla is a fuel-efficient option. Renowned for its reliability and low maintenance costs, the Corolla is a popular choice among Kenyan drivers seeking a durable and comfortable vehicle.

Fuel saving tips

A car’s fuel economy is highly dependent on driving style. As a result, even if you own a vehicle with a large engine capacity (cc), you can save fuel by employing the following fuel-saving hacks:

• Accelerate gently- hard acceleration consumes a lot of fuel, whereas gentle acceleration consumes less.
• To maximize fuel efficiency, cruise at a constant speed.
• Avoid adding unnecessary weight to your vehicle.
• Service your vehicle on time and make sure everything is in working order.
• Gently brake and, if possible, coast to brake.
• Check your tire pressure on a regular basis.
• Avoid unnecessary idling and turn off the engine when stopping for an extended period of time.

Follow these fuel-saving tips and you will thank us later!