True MPG: which cars beat their official figures?
What Car?'s True MPG tests show what fuel economy you can really expect from a car, with some models falling more than 25% short of their official figures, but others beating them...
So, you've seen the cars that are farthest away from their official fuel economy figures, but which beat them by the biggest margins? Here we answer that question.
Over-achievers
10. Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid SZT 2WD
Official WLTP average 55.7mpg True MPG 59.9mpg Difference +7.5%
This mild hybrid version of the Ignis averaged almost 60mpg in our tests, which is hugely impressive for a small SUV. Don't let the size of the Ignis fool you, though, because it's surprisingly spacious inside. We also like the long list of equipment on SZ-T models, with 16in alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and a touchscreen infotainment system all standard.
Read our full Suzuki Ignis review or see the latest Suzuki Ignis discounts
9. Dacia Logan Stepway TCe 90 Comfort
Official WLTP average 44.3mpg True MPG 47.7mpg Difference +7.7%
Dacia is all about cheap motoring, and the Logan lives up to that, not only with its purchase price, but also its running costs. Unfortunately, in many respects you get what you pay for, because the independent safety experts at Euro NCAP awarded the Logan just two stars, plus it's a noisy car and the driving position is compromised.
Official WLTP average 40.5mpg True MPG 44.2mpg Difference +9.1%
The Karoq is basically the Seat Ateca’s less sporty sister, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Karoq offers a more polished ride and superior seating flexibility, for starters. And while the Ateca is officially the more efficient option, in reality it's the Karoq that ekes more miles per gallon out of the turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that both cars use.
Read our full Skoda Karoq review or see the latest Skoda Karoq discounts
7. Honda Civic Type R GT
Official WLTP average 33.2mpg True MPG 36.3mpg Difference +9.2%
What's better than a car that's good to drive and surprisingly practical? Well, that would be one which also turns out to be significantly less expensive to run than you might expect. This Type R is wonderful fun, but can also be used every day without ruining your spine. It is quite noisy, though, and there are cheaper hot hatches.
Read our full Honda Civic Type R review or see the latest Honda Civic Type R discounts
6. Dacia Duster 1.3 TCe 130 Comfort
Official WLTP average 39.8mpg True MPG 43.8mpg Difference +10.1%
The Duster already represents great value for money, even before you factor in that it beats its official fuel economy figure by more than 10% in real-world conditions. That means you can spend less time at the pumps and more time making the most of its spacious interior.
Read our full Dacia Duster review or see the latest Dacia Duster discounts
5. Mazda MX-5 2.0 GT Sport Nav+
Official WLTP average 40.9mpg True MPG 45.1mpg Difference +10.3%
Sports cars and efficiency don't generally go together, but the MX-5 is both fun to drive and frugal, aided by its small size and low weight.
Read our full Mazda MX-5 review or see the latest Mazda MX-5 discounts
4. Volkswagen Up 1.0 60 R-Line
Official WLTP average 50.7mpg True MPG 56.0mpg Difference +10.5%
The Up is a good choice if you live in the city, offering nimble handling and a relatively classy interior. It's merely a very welcome bonus that this 1.0-litre petrol-engined version is also significantly more frugal than the official figures would have you believe.
Read our full Volkswagen Up review or see the latest Volkswagen Up discounts
3. Honda CR-V 2.0 i-MMD SR
Official WLTP average 42.2mpg True MPG 47.4mpg Difference 12.3%
Although two hybrids rank among the cars which fall well short of their official test results, the Honda CR-V shows that not all such models should be painted with the same brush, because this practical and refined SUV beats its official mpg by more than 12%. The CR-V has a poor infotainment system, though.
Read our full Honda CR-V review or see the latest Honda CR-V discounts
2. Isuzu D-Max 1.9L V-Cross
Official WLTP average 30.7mpg True MPG 35.2mpg Difference +14.7%
It probably won't shock you to learn that this pick-up truck has a bouncy ride and a noisy engine. However, the real-world economy that the D-Max is capable of will come as a pleasant surprise, while its payload ratings are as good as you'd hope.
1. Ford Ranger 2.0 TDCi 213 Thunder
Official WLTP average 30.7mpg True MPG 36.5mpg Difference +18.9%
No, your eyes aren't deceiving you, the car which beats its official test result by the biggest margin is indeed a diesel-powered pick-up truck. Aside from its fuel economy, though, there's plenty else to like about our reigning Pick-up of the Year, including its comfortable ride, gutsy engine and competitive pricing.
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