Identifying the most fuel-efficient compact SUV
Small SUVs Fall Short on Fuel Efficiency Claims, But Regular Fuel Remains the Best Choice
In a recent Small SUV Megatest, all 10 vehicles tested consumed more fuel than their claimed figures. The Kia Seltos, however, performed admirably, scoring 8.5/10 and delivering the most efficient fuel consumption of 8.0L/100km.
The Kia Seltos S, the Mazda CX-3, and Hyundai Kona all tied for the second-most efficient fuel consumption, with a figure of 8.7L/100km. The Honda HR-V came in close second, returning a fuel consumption figure of 8.1L/100km.
The Nissan Qashqai, Suzuki Vitara, Mitsubishi ASX, and Holden Trax followed, with fuel consumption figures ranging from 8.6L/100km to 10.4L/100km. The Mitsubishi ASX had the highest consumption of 10.4L/100km.
While the Small SUV Megatest results showed that these vehicles were not as fuel-efficient as claimed, it's essential to note that premium petrol does not significantly improve fuel efficiency in these vehicles.
Small SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and Toyota C-HR are typically designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel (usually 87 octane). Premium fuel may only be beneficial if the engine is turbocharged or specifically designed to require higher-octane fuel for optimal performance and power output.
In turbocharged models, premium fuel can unlock more horsepower but often comes with a trade-off of lower fuel efficiency. Therefore, premium fuel in small SUVs is mostly about performance rather than economy.
The Small SUV Megatest results highlight the importance of using the recommended regular fuel and following good maintenance and driving habits for optimal fuel efficiency. Premium fuel is beneficial primarily in engines designed to exploit higher octane for performance rather than general efficiency.
Table: Small SUV Fuel Efficiency and Premium Fuel Benefits
| SUV Model | Recommended Fuel | Benefit of Premium Fuel on Efficiency | Notes | |-----------------|------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Kia Seltos | Regular unleaded 87 octane | No significant improvement in fuel efficiency | Premium might be used if turbocharged versions exist, but not generally required | | Honda HR-V | Regular unleaded 87 octane | No improvement in MPG | Engine designed for regular fuel | | Toyota C-HR | Regular unleaded 87 octane | No improvement in MPG | Hybrid variant focuses on efficiency through design |
In terms of Small SUVs, it's best to stick to regular unleaded fuel like the 87 octane recommended for the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and Toyota C-HR for optimal fuel economy. Premium fuel doesn't often provide a significant improvement in fuel efficiency for these vehicles, particularly since small SUVs are typically designed to run efficiently on regular fuel. However, if a vehicle is turbocharged or specifically engineered to require higher-octane fuel for peak performance and power output, premium fuel might be beneficial but could compromise fuel efficiency.
