Most Economical Estate | Seat Ibiza Ecomotive

The Seat Ibiza Ecomotive is one of the most economical estate cars you can buy. While the 2010 version had a combined fuel economy of 76.3 mpg, the new 2011 version, due out in the U.K. in October, increases the fuel economy to a massive 80.2 mpg for the combined cycle.


The 2011 Seat Ibiza Ecomotive estate owes its decrease in fuel consumption in part to the introduction of a stop start system to automatically turn off the engine when the car is stationary. The 2010 Ibiza did not have this. The stop start system incorporates brake energy regeneration.



The Seat Ibiza has a 1.2 litre 3 cylinder diesel engine. Its the same TDI engine to be found in the new VW Polo Bluemotion and Skoda Fabia Greenline and generates 75 bhp and 133 lb ft of torque. The economical estate's engine is teamed with a long ratio gearbox to get the most miles for as few engine revolutions.


The Ibiza estate has a gear shift indicator to let you know when to change gears for the most fuel efficient driving. It will encourage most people to change up sooner than they otherwise would have.


New aerodynamics feature a more streamlined front grille, front and rear spoilers, and rear wheel arch deflectors. The Ecomotive also has low rolling resistance tyres capable of running on much higher pressures than standard rubber.



All these features combine to make the Seat Ibiza Ecomotive just about the most economical estate on the market. Most other estates are not chosen to have the eco friendly treatment by their manufacturers.

Most Economical SUV | Suzuki SX4

One of the most economical SUV's is the Suzuki SX4 mini SUV. This is a crossover vehicle whose target market are those who want the practicality of an SUV combined with the fuel efficiency and budget price of a small car. Although a growing market segment, currently its competition isn't that large so Suzuki should be able to find some willing customers. Probably its closest rival would be the Hyundai ix35, however the Suzuki comfortably beats the Hyundai on price.


For 2010 the Suzuki SX4 has undergone some quite major changes. There's a new engine, new transmission and some cosmetic alterations.


The new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine is an improvement in all areas over the previous one. It boasts better fuel economy, fewer emissions, greater power and torque, and a greater level of refinement. Combined fuel consumption for the all wheel drive auto SX4 has dropped from 9.5 l/100km to 8.0l/100km making this one of the most economical SUV's. The new engine features variable intake valve timing, one of the reasons why it has been able to increase power while at the same time use less fuel. A brand new CVT transmission also aided the car's fuel efficiency considerably. The AWD Suzuki SX4 has a carbon output of 178 g/km and has 112 kW of power and 190 Nm of torque.


The Suzuki SX4 is neither going to win any styling awards nor is it ugly. Its just an inoffensive looking little car that people will not give a second glance to. However I do think its shape will date quite quickly. The interior is more of the same - nothing to inspire you but at the same time no obvious complaints. Everything you'd expect from a car of its class is present and seems to work fine.


Safety has been stepped up for the most recent version of the SX4 although a little disappointingly the car was only awarded a 4 star NCAP safety rating, not 5. The 2010 SX4 has stability and traction control as standard, and apart from the most basic model, has 6 airbags.


On the road the SX4 AWD drives very well. It has 3 modes - front wheel drive, AWD variable split, and lock. AWD variable split is good for slippery or loose surfaces and directs the drive to the appropriate wheels via a multi plate clutch. Lock mode ensures that up to half the available torque is directed to the rear wheels at all times. The economical SUV also has very good steering - light yet precise. The suspension feels comfortable on roads and copes well with standard off road driving but starts to struggle a bit with more challenging offroading. This is no surprise for a car of this type and is certainly not a reason not to buy it. You wouldn't expect LandCruiser type performance from a budget crossover SUV.


In conclusion the Suzuki SX4 does exactly what it promises - provide SUV functionality and practicality in an affordable and fuel efficient small car. Although not an outstanding performer in any one area, the SX4 is very capable in all aspects and is a successful compromise between a traditional SUV and budget motoring. Its high fuel mileage is amazing for an offroader and makes it one of the most economical SUV's.

Welcome to the Most Economical Cars Blog

Welcome to the Most Economical Cars Blog, bringing you details and photos of the best economical cars. We'll make sure your next car saves you lots of money as well as being reliable and great to drive.

Economical cars are hot right now. Gas prices are only going one way and that's up. Concern about the environment is growing all the time. More and more people are choosing to drive an efficient car that has great fuel economy.

Most websites will tell you only about the most economical small cars. However we don't all want to drive tiny cars and that's where this blog comes in. We don't only showcase the smallest most efficient cars but we tell you about the best and most economical family cars, large cars, SUV's and trucks.

Large cars are catching up on the small cars and you can find some very high mileage family cars now. Car makers are dedicating themselves to make all types of cars more gas efficient. We'll fill you in on the best out there.