Most Fuel Efficient Small Used Cars

We’re all looking to save money where we can these days and squeezing every penny out of a tank of fuel is a good place to start.

Car technology has come a long way over the years and one of the big developments has been the wider application of self-charging full hybrid technology that extends fuel economy and slashes CO2 emissions.

Economical small hybrid cars make a particularly excellent used buy thanks to the input of emission-free electric power, especially in the lower speed environments many superminis call home.

Already affordable to buy, these fuel efficient small used cars go a long way to slashing fuel bills too…

Used Toyota Yaris Hybrid

As the pioneer of self-charging hybrid innovation, it’s little surprise Toyota continues to lead the way when it comes to applying such fuel-sipping tech to mainstream models.

In fact, all of its most immediate models come with hybrid power now – the Aygo X, Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla, and C-HR – and each of them make excellent used purchases for those looking to save money on fuel.

Of these, the used Toyota Yaris offers the best breadth of value in hybrid trim having been available with the technology since 2012, meaning there are some great bargains to be had on what is also a stylish, well-built and famously reliable small car.

The most recent generation was launched in 2020 and models of this model year or newer boast fuel economy of up to 69mpg and generate CO2 of under 100g/km

Used Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2020-2025) Fuel Economy

• WLTP MPG: 66-69mpg
• WLTP CO2: 88-112g/km

Used Renault Clio E-Tech

The all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech might be grabbing all of the recent headlines, but its Renault Clio E-Tech stablemate represents a savvy fuel-efficient choice, especially as a small used car.

Introduced to the range in 2020, the hybrid Renault Clio E-Tech has – like the model itself – undergone several key updates since.

With competitive road tax fees and less than 100g/km output, the Clio E-Tech is cheap to run, while the newest iteration can achieve upwards of 63mpg and is capable of spending 80% of its time in electric-only mode.

That the Renault Clio E-Tech is also stylish, well-built, generously equipped and comfortable is just the icing on a great value cake.

Used Renault Clio E-Tech (2020-2025) Fuel Economy

• WLTP MPG: 60-63mpg
• WLTP CO2: 98g/km

Used Honda Jazz Hybrid

Proof that small cars can feel big on a budget, the Honda Jazz is not only spacious and airy, it’s also economical and cheap to run.

The Honda Jazz has been available as a hybrid since 2011 and while the car itself hasn’t strayed far from its original blueprint of offering outstanding flexibility and a comfortable driving experience, the technology has progressed.

It means the current generation is capable of over-60mpg and just a smidge over 100g/km of CO2 emissions, while the Jazz is also affordable to tax and insure.

Bearing all the hallmarks of what make Honda so popular – namely top notch build quality and bulletproof reliability – the capacious Jazz with its yoga-like seating configurations makes this a wise small used car buy.

Used Honda Jazz Hybrid (2020-2025) Fuel Economy

• WLTP MPG: 59-63mpg
• WLTP CO2: 102g/km

Used MG3 Hybrid+

While you’ll have to commit to the second-generation models to get fuel efficient hybrid power, the MG3’s already great value pricing when new makes it a veritable used car bargain now regardless.

Moreover, the second-generation MG3 is a notable step forward over its predecessor, as demonstrated by its modern and spacious interior, not to mention impressive healthy kit levels.

However, it’s redeeming feature is undoubtedly the introduction of a hybrid powertrain – known as the MG3 Hybrid+ - which is capable of over 60mpg.

Better yet, not only is the MG3 Hybrid+ economical and well-equipped, its 194bhp engine also makes it one of the most powerful cars in the supermini class.

MG3 Hybrid+ (2024-2026) Fuel Economy

• WLTP MPG: 64mpg
• WLTP CO2: 100g/km

Used Mazda 2 Hybrid

Don’t be alarmed if you think you’re seeing double for the Mazda 2 Hybrid does indeed look an awful lot like the Toyota Yaris… and you’d be right.

Indeed, Mazda’s smallest offering is a lightly reskinned version of the Yaris and save for a few styling modifications, mostly around the bumpers and the badging, they are largely identical.

That’s no bad thing if you’re after a fuel efficient small used car. In fact, Mazda claims even better fuel economy that exceeds 70mpg.

Beyond that, the Mazda 2 Hybrid gets all of the same redeeming qualities, including solid reliability, a well-built interior and a refined driving experience.

Mazda 2 Hybrid (xxxx-xxxx) Fuel Economy

• WLTP MPG: 71-74mpg
• WLTP CO2: 87-98g/km

Used Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid

One of the newer additions to the small hybrid line-up, while Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid is more ‘mild’ than other models here, it still represents an economical small used car choice.

Able to be driven distances on electric power only, the Corsa Hybrid returns over 60mpg and just over 100g/km of CO2 emissions.

The hybrid powertrain is available on the latest iteration of the Vauxhall Corsa, a car that is already singled out for its smart looks, well-equipped specification list and composed driving experience.

It makes the Corsa an ideal first car for new drivers looking to save money at the pumps, while the same tech can also be found in the Peugeot 208 and Citroen C3.

Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid (2024-2026) Fuel Economy

• WLTP MPG: 60-63mpg
• WLTP CO2: 102-106g/km