The most fuel-efficient cars to buy in 2024

1. BMW 330e – 217.3mpg

Here’s proof that economical hybrid cars don’t have to be boring – the 330e uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor offering powerful acceleration and impressive economy.

Sam, our motoring editor, says: "The 330e plug-in hybrid is the BMW 3 Series that tends to get all the attention, thanks to its ability to run on pure-electric power for around 30 miles and return well over 100 miles to the gallon (on paper)."

As with the rest of the BMW 3 Series range, the interior is high quality and filled with amazing tech. You can get some impressive deals on used BMW models as well.

2. Toyota Prius – 67.0mpg

Toyota offers both self-charging and plug-in hybrid versions of its Prius, with the latter providing the better official economy of 235.4mpg – so long as you can keep the battery topped up.

The self-charging Prius, which doesn’t use a plug, is cheaper on the used car market and returns close to 70mpg, according to Toyota.

Plug-in hybrid Prius models can run on electric-only power over short distances.

As for the interior, it is very well equipped, as with all Toyota models, and built to an incredibly high standard.

Sam says: "When you take a taxi, there's a good chance it will be a Toyota Prius. There are good reasons for that – the Prius is extremely reliable and cheap to run."

3. Suzuki Swift – 64.0mpg

Every current version of the Swift supermini uses Suzuki's ‘Boosterjet’ hybrid engine, comprising of a mild hybrid setup that means the electric motor takes some of the electrical strain off the petrol engine.

Since its electric power is 'mild', the car can’t run on pure electric power alone, but you still get better economy over a standard petrol engine with the added shove when accelerating.