Most economical small hatchback for motorway commuting
Discussion
Following on from this thread, I'm now looking for a replacement for my Suzuki Swift 1.0 Boosterjet that'll be better-suited to dual carriageway/motorway commuting.
I'm thinking the only way to get 60 MPG (or more) on these types of roads is with a diesel. I've been looking at the second generation (F20) BMW 1-Series (I used to have an M140i which had a lovely cabin): 116d, 118d or 120d. Am I right in thinking that the 116d has the 1.5 engine; the 118d and 120d have the 2.0?
According to AT adverts, the official MPG for the 1.5 is about 70; for the 2.0 it's about 60. Are these figures even vaguely realistic? If not, can anyone please suggest an equivalent diesel that will return 60+ MPG for about £12k?
It's beyond me how, with all of my pre-purchase research, I didn't discover that the Swift's fuel economy takes a nose dive if you sit at 70...
Thank you in advance for your help.
Thank you, also, to everyone who replied in my last thread, especially those that posted the really helpful AT advert lists. It's very much appreciated.
I'm thinking the only way to get 60 MPG (or more) on these types of roads is with a diesel. I've been looking at the second generation (F20) BMW 1-Series (I used to have an M140i which had a lovely cabin): 116d, 118d or 120d. Am I right in thinking that the 116d has the 1.5 engine; the 118d and 120d have the 2.0?
According to AT adverts, the official MPG for the 1.5 is about 70; for the 2.0 it's about 60. Are these figures even vaguely realistic? If not, can anyone please suggest an equivalent diesel that will return 60+ MPG for about £12k?
It's beyond me how, with all of my pre-purchase research, I didn't discover that the Swift's fuel economy takes a nose dive if you sit at 70...
Thank you in advance for your help.
Thank you, also, to everyone who replied in my last thread, especially those that posted the really helpful AT advert lists. It's very much appreciated.Honda Civic mk9 1.6 idtec, in hatchback or estate flavour. Zero ved, no ad-blue, no ULEZ cost, the estate / tourer achieved a world record for the most mpg, https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/civic/92127/ho...
They supposedy get into the 70 mpg on the motorway. The estate has a bigger boot than the Octavia and magic seats, 2014 facelift gets sat nav etc.
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/honda/civic-2...
Edit about the ULEZ: sometime in 2016 the mk9 civic became EURO 6 compliant this means for the time being ULEZ free, the MK9's before 2016 (not sure on month) are EURO 5 so have £12.50 charge. Expect the goal posts to change in the future.
They supposedy get into the 70 mpg on the motorway. The estate has a bigger boot than the Octavia and magic seats, 2014 facelift gets sat nav etc.
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/honda/civic-2...
Edit about the ULEZ: sometime in 2016 the mk9 civic became EURO 6 compliant this means for the time being ULEZ free, the MK9's before 2016 (not sure on month) are EURO 5 so have £12.50 charge. Expect the goal posts to change in the future.
Edited by Skyrocket21 on Thursday 29th December 23:42
Skyrocket21 said:
Honda Civic mk9 1.6 idtec, in hatchback or estate flavour. Zero ved, no ad-blue, no ULEZ cost, the estate / tourer achieved a world record for the most mpg, https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/civic/92127/ho...
They supposedy get into the 70 mpg on the motorway. The estate has a bigger boot than the Octavia and magic seats, 2014 facelift gets sat nav etc.
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/honda/civic-2...
I didn't realise Honda's diesels were that economical. That's given me some reading to do this afternoon. They supposedy get into the 70 mpg on the motorway. The estate has a bigger boot than the Octavia and magic seats, 2014 facelift gets sat nav etc.
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/honda/civic-2...
The price of diesel is about 20p/litre more expensive here in Hampshire compared to petrol.
My maths isn't good enough to know how much better a diesel would have to be in mpg compared to the swift to make it worth changing. Money lost to change vehicle would need to be a factor also. I like the Swift though so I may be biased, currently looking at changing to a Swift sport.
However, I currently have a Skoda Fabia (TSI 90) that seems to get early 50s mpg on longer motorway runs so the small VW group cars with these type engines may be an option.
My maths isn't good enough to know how much better a diesel would have to be in mpg compared to the swift to make it worth changing. Money lost to change vehicle would need to be a factor also. I like the Swift though so I may be biased, currently looking at changing to a Swift sport.
However, I currently have a Skoda Fabia (TSI 90) that seems to get early 50s mpg on longer motorway runs so the small VW group cars with these type engines may be an option.
In all honesty (personal preference/subjective, I know) I don't really understand why people buy small diesel cars...
The MPG savings are only really worth it (and diesels only really both reliable and delivering their potential in MPG terms) when doing a fair few miles on the commute... At which point you're going to want a reasonable size car for comfort.
With reference to the op... I'd personally be looking at 320d rather than 120d if you like your BMW's - just a nicer place to be for any commute worth having a diesel under the bonnet for (IMHO!). Yes, the smaller/lighter car will get slightly better MPG on paper, but there's more to life than getting to the absolute cheapest possible point.
The MPG savings are only really worth it (and diesels only really both reliable and delivering their potential in MPG terms) when doing a fair few miles on the commute... At which point you're going to want a reasonable size car for comfort.
With reference to the op... I'd personally be looking at 320d rather than 120d if you like your BMW's - just a nicer place to be for any commute worth having a diesel under the bonnet for (IMHO!). Yes, the smaller/lighter car will get slightly better MPG on paper, but there's more to life than getting to the absolute cheapest possible point.
Most small diesel cars got shelved a few years ago (Fiat, Ford, Suzuki etc). I had a couple of Fiat Pandas and then a Suzuki Swift with the same multijet engines that were tremendous on fuel but this was between 2009 and 2018 when they were low VED and the petrol versions weren't. No cambelt either and the price of the fuel was almost the same. Not like now!
One thing that can influence economy on the motorway is aerodynamics. Both these cars have drag coefficients of 0.28, which I think is best in their respective classes.
Mercedes A180d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211071...
Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...
Next, get some low rolling resistance tyres like Continental Eco Contacts and you should see very good mpg figures
Mercedes A180d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211071...
Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...
Next, get some low rolling resistance tyres like Continental Eco Contacts and you should see very good mpg figures
If saving money is key here, I really can't fathom buying an old BMW, diesel or otherwise IMHO.
I'd be looking at something like an Astra, Focus or something similar.
For example the Astra ecoflex 2014> is really comfortable, av. 80mpg, cheap to fix/insure, and Euro6 means it should be easy to sell on in future years.
I'd be looking at something like an Astra, Focus or something similar.
For example the Astra ecoflex 2014> is really comfortable, av. 80mpg, cheap to fix/insure, and Euro6 means it should be easy to sell on in future years.
I can get 45-50mpg out of my 15 year old Vauxhall petrol 1.8 on my 60mile commute, I ain't in a rush, keeping it steady so probably helps.
My other car a 2012 318d 'Efficient Dynamics' does 50mpg but it takes a fair bit longer to warm up in all honesty so won't be doing that straight away from the off, and that's the same with most diesels they are only very frugal/efficient when up to proper temperature around 30miles+ into a journey at a steady cruise.
Plus, as mentioned - the price of fuel at the pumps (unleaded Vs diesel) skews the economic savings further more, running a petrol can be cheaper now, especially when looking at maintenance costs or potential 'bork factor' with the diesel ancillaries (Turbo/DMF/EGR/Injectors/DPF etc) can soon take you back to square one if running costs matter.
My other car a 2012 318d 'Efficient Dynamics' does 50mpg but it takes a fair bit longer to warm up in all honesty so won't be doing that straight away from the off, and that's the same with most diesels they are only very frugal/efficient when up to proper temperature around 30miles+ into a journey at a steady cruise.
Plus, as mentioned - the price of fuel at the pumps (unleaded Vs diesel) skews the economic savings further more, running a petrol can be cheaper now, especially when looking at maintenance costs or potential 'bork factor' with the diesel ancillaries (Turbo/DMF/EGR/Injectors/DPF etc) can soon take you back to square one if running costs matter.
Thanks, all.
Apologies if I've missed anyone out in my replies below...
To be honest, I've never considered Vauxhalls because of their perceived reliability. I'll do some reading to see if I'm just being a badge snob...
Thank you, all. You must get sick of the same questions coming up again and again. I really appreciate your patience and assistance.
Apologies if I've missed anyone out in my replies below...
sunnyb13 said:
Does it have to be a hatchback? A 320d efficient dynamics would give you good mpg
Hatchback is preferable but I'd also have an estate. I'd rather avoid saloons if I can.jayymannon said:
The price of diesel is about 20p/litre more expensive here in Hampshire compared to petrol.
My maths isn't good enough to know how much better a diesel would have to be in mpg compared to the swift to make it worth changing. Money lost to change vehicle would need to be a factor also. I like the Swift though so I may be biased, currently looking at changing to a Swift sport.
However, I currently have a Skoda Fabia (TSI 90) that seems to get early 50s mpg on longer motorway runs so the small VW group cars with these type engines may be an option.
I'm making a spreadsheet that (I hope) covers total cost of ownership, including cost to change.My maths isn't good enough to know how much better a diesel would have to be in mpg compared to the swift to make it worth changing. Money lost to change vehicle would need to be a factor also. I like the Swift though so I may be biased, currently looking at changing to a Swift sport.
However, I currently have a Skoda Fabia (TSI 90) that seems to get early 50s mpg on longer motorway runs so the small VW group cars with these type engines may be an option.
LightningBlue said:
What are you getting from the Swift? You’ll probably lose a fair bit of money trading cars so that has to be thought about
About 45 MPG over the 700 miles or so I've done it. As mentioned elsewhere, I got it at the beginning of December, just at the start of the really cold weather that we had. Temperatures have increased a lot since then but the MPG's stayed about the same.ChrisH72 said:
My mate has a 2014 Civic 1.6 diesel.
It’s a good car and is indeed very economical. However it is not ULEZ exempt if that matters.
ULEZ exemption isn't a concern (yet). The Civic diesel looked promising but the insurance is really high for some reason.It’s a good car and is indeed very economical. However it is not ULEZ exempt if that matters.
Brassblaster said:
In all honesty (personal preference/subjective, I know) I don't really understand why people buy small diesel cars...
The MPG savings are only really worth it (and diesels only really both reliable and delivering their potential in MPG terms) when doing a fair few miles on the commute... At which point you're going to want a reasonable size car for comfort.
With reference to the op... I'd personally be looking at 320d rather than 120d if you like your BMW's - just a nicer place to be for any commute worth having a diesel under the bonnet for (IMHO!). Yes, the smaller/lighter car will get slightly better MPG on paper, but there's more to life than getting to the absolute cheapest possible point.
I'd definitely consider a 320d estate. It doesn't have to be a 1-Series. I mentioned that because I liked the size and the interior on my old 2017 M140i. The MPG savings are only really worth it (and diesels only really both reliable and delivering their potential in MPG terms) when doing a fair few miles on the commute... At which point you're going to want a reasonable size car for comfort.
With reference to the op... I'd personally be looking at 320d rather than 120d if you like your BMW's - just a nicer place to be for any commute worth having a diesel under the bonnet for (IMHO!). Yes, the smaller/lighter car will get slightly better MPG on paper, but there's more to life than getting to the absolute cheapest possible point.
georgeyboy12345 said:
One thing that can influence economy on the motorway is aerodynamics. Both these cars have drag coefficients of 0.28, which I think is best in their respective classes.
Mercedes A180d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211071...
Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...
Next, get some low rolling resistance tyres like Continental Eco Contacts and you should see very good mpg figures
Thanks. Mercedes A180d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211071...
Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...
Next, get some low rolling resistance tyres like Continental Eco Contacts and you should see very good mpg figures
dan98 said:
If saving money is key here, I really can't fathom buying an old BMW, diesel or otherwise IMHO.
I'd be looking at something like an Astra, Focus or something similar.
For example the Astra ecoflex 2014> is really comfortable, av. 80mpg, cheap to fix/insure, and Euro6 means it should be easy to sell on in future years.
80 MPG. I'd be looking at something like an Astra, Focus or something similar.
For example the Astra ecoflex 2014> is really comfortable, av. 80mpg, cheap to fix/insure, and Euro6 means it should be easy to sell on in future years.
To be honest, I've never considered Vauxhalls because of their perceived reliability. I'll do some reading to see if I'm just being a badge snob...757 said:
I can get 45-50mpg out of my 15 year old Vauxhall petrol 1.8 on my 60mile commute, I ain't in a rush, keeping it steady so probably helps.
My other car a 2012 318d 'Efficient Dynamics' does 50mpg but it takes a fair bit longer to warm up in all honesty so won't be doing that straight away from the off, and that's the same with most diesels they are only very frugal/efficient when up to proper temperature around 30miles+ into a journey at a steady cruise.
Plus, as mentioned - the price of fuel at the pumps (unleaded Vs diesel) skews the economic savings further more, running a petrol can be cheaper now, especially when looking at maintenance costs or potential 'bork factor' with the diesel ancillaries (Turbo/DMF/EGR/Injectors/DPF etc) can soon take you back to square one if running costs matter.
That's really helpful. Thank you. My commute is 30 miles each way. I thought that'd be enough to get the best out of a diesel but it sounds like it'd only just be getting warmed up as I arrived.My other car a 2012 318d 'Efficient Dynamics' does 50mpg but it takes a fair bit longer to warm up in all honesty so won't be doing that straight away from the off, and that's the same with most diesels they are only very frugal/efficient when up to proper temperature around 30miles+ into a journey at a steady cruise.
Plus, as mentioned - the price of fuel at the pumps (unleaded Vs diesel) skews the economic savings further more, running a petrol can be cheaper now, especially when looking at maintenance costs or potential 'bork factor' with the diesel ancillaries (Turbo/DMF/EGR/Injectors/DPF etc) can soon take you back to square one if running costs matter.
Thank you, all. You must get sick of the same questions coming up again and again. I really appreciate your patience and assistance.
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