Real-world MPG: most economical MPVs

We've tested a range of MPVs, including seven-seaters, to find the most economical people carriers on the market today. Here are the top 10 performers in the What Car? True MPG tests...

5. Toyota Prius+ 1.8 VVT-i – official 68.9mpg; True MPG 55.0mpg

The Prius+ is the first petrol-hybrid, seven-seat MPV and it is the only car on this list not powered by a diesel engine. It'll seat five in comfort, but the two rearmost seats are best left to children. Running costs are low, but it is expensive to buy.

Read our full review of the Toyota Prius+

4. Nissan Note 1.5 dCi - official 78.5mpg; True MPG 55.2mpg

The Nissan Note is a small MPV that offers a lot of practicality for the money. It’s spacious, practical and cheap to run. It returned 55.2mpg in our real-world fuel tests, which is more than 20mpg off the official figure but a decent figure nevertheless.

Read our full review of the Nissan Note

3. Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi 90 – official 68.9mpg; True MPG 57.2mpg

We named the C3 Picasso as the best budget MPV in our 2013 and 2014 Car of the Year awards. It has an airy cabin and a large boot, plus most versions ride well on supple suspension. It might not be as good to drive as a Ford B-Max, but it’s still excellent value for money.

2. VW Golf SV 1.6 TDI - official 72.4mpg; True MPG 57.8mpg

The VW Golf SV is the second VW MPV to appear on this list. It’s more spacious than the standard Golf hatchback but can’t quite compete with rival MPVs on the practicality-front. That aside, it’s worth considering because it’s good to drive, spacious and fuel efficient.

Read our full review of the VW Golf SV

Real-world MPG: most economical MPVs

1. Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 e-HDi – official 70.6mpg; True MPG 59.4mpg

A roomy boot and seats that slide and fold independently mean that the C4 Picasso is one of the most family-friendly new cars. The sleek, uncluttered dashboard is a seriously classy feature, too. The Citroen isn’t as good to drive as some rivals, but it’s far more spacious, stylish and economical.

Read our full review of the Citroen C4 Picasso

Visit whatcar.com/truempg to see the full range of cars we’ve tested, and find out what you really can expect to achieve on UK roads.

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