South African motorists face another squeeze at the pumps from Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed increases of R3.12 per litre for 93 petrol and R3.33 for 95 petrol. According to Mail & Guardian, 95 unleaded will reach R30.25 per litre in Gauteng. Prices differ by region.

For commuters already balancing transport costs with groceries and household bills, a car that uses less fuel could help ease the pressure.

Five cars that stretch every litre

Based on manufacturer-claimed combined consumption, these five new cars offer some of South Africa’s lowest fuel-use figures, excluding plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles:

  • Honda Fit 1.5 Hybrid — 3.7 L/100 km: The lowest claimed consumption in this comparison, equivalent to approximately 27 kilometres per litre. Honda’s specification sheet confirms the figure.
  • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.8 Hybrid — 3.9 L/100 km: A sedan option with a claimed return of roughly 25.6 kilometres per litre.
  • Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.8 Hybrid — 4.0 L/100 km: The hatchback follows closely, offering approximately 25 kilometres per litre. Cars.co.za reports both Toyota figures.
  • Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL AMT — 4.2 L/100 km: A petrol-only hatchback returning approximately 23.8 kilometres per litre.
  • Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR AMT — 4.2 L/100 km: The automatic Vitz matches the Celerio’s claimed consumption, according to AutoTrader.

These are official comparison figures. Traffic, driving style, load and road conditions affect everyday consumption.

What could you save at R30 a litre?

Using R30 per litre as an illustration, a vehicle consuming 8 L/100 km would cost R2,400 in fuel over 1,000 kilometres.

At the Vitz automatic’s claimed 4.2 L/100 km, the same distance would cost R1,260 — a calculated difference of R1,140. Actual savings depend on the consumption you achieve.

Toyota Vitz available through FutureRent

The Toyota Vitz is also available through FutureRent’s rent-to-buy offering, giving motorists another route to accessing the fuel-efficient hatchback.

Visit FutureRent to confirm current stock, the transmission offered and agreement terms. Its Rent-to-buy subscriptions with insurance, tracking, services, warranty and roadside assistance.

Compare the full monthly vehicle cost alongside potential fuel savings before choosing your next car.