Best-value Green Cars

You don’t have to be able to afford a battery-electric vehicle or even a hybrid to drive green. Indeed, there are still a significant number of new cars on the Australian market that boast impressive fuel economy using conventional internal combustion engines. Typically small hatches, they’re also frugal in terms of their demands on both infrastructure and the wallet.

At the top of our fuel miser list is the budget-priced Kia Picanto S, a light hatch that combines a high level of standard equipment with decent on-road manners and one of the best warranties in the business.

Recently updated, the downsized five-door doesn’t quite match the runners-up in terms of safety tech but it’s hard to argue with the price: $16,290 for the auto … and better if you haggle. Inside there’s full smartphone compatibility, decent space for four and style that’s at odds with the price tag.

“The Kia Picanto looks and feels more sophisticated, and every time you hop into its stylish cabin you feel a bit special,” says Carsales.

That resurgent Czech brand Skoda also combines value for money and frugality. The Skoda Fabia 81TSi narrowly edges out its almost-twin-under-the-skin Volkswagen Polo 85TSi Comfortline to take runner-up spot.

Both Europeans beat the Kia for fuel economy and standard safety kit and crash rating but each is more expensive – both to buy and service. The driving experience is a plus too – this was a hard-fought category.