Five of the most fuel-efficient SUVs
The fuel price is on a rapid rise towards the bruising levels experienced before Covid-19, after plummeting to record lows during the more restrictive levels of lockdown as the oil price dipped due to slowed demand.
As SA gradually returns to normality, with vehicle purchases now allowed, on the back of yet another hike in fuel prices in June a thrifty SUV makes sense in easing family travel challenges brought on by the pandemic.
Here is a list of the most fuelefficient SUV/crossover cars on sale in SA:
PEUGEOT 5008 2.0 HDI ALLURE
The Peugeot 5008 in 2.0 HDi Allure turbodiesel form makes it to the sub-5.0l/100km segment by the skin of its teeth.
It’s the largest contender here with a length of 4,641mm, accommodating seven passengers in comfort and style.
With its 110kW and 370Nm outputs, it’s optimal for life in the fast lane for a modern family and its diesel engine sips just 4.8l/100km. Price: R571,500
FORD ECOSPORT 1.5 TDCI AMBIENTE
Ford’s EcoSport continues to justify its popularity among small SUV buyers. It’s keenly priced, sufficiently specified and measured to reflect the practicality and performance relative to typical SA requirements. Add a rated 4.6l/100km in average fuel consumption for the 1.5 TDCi Ambiente and you have a winner. Price: R298,800
OPEL CROSSLAND X 1.6TD ENJOY
Basking in the shadow of many popular SUV choices, the Crossland X is not a car you come across regularly. It covers the SUV recipe well enough with good handling, spaciousness and handsome looks. It makes it on to the list thanks to its 4.4l/100km, which you get if you opt for the diesel 1.6l Enjoy derivative with 68kW and 230Nm. Price: R367,000
NISSAN QASHQAI 1.5 DCI TEKNA PLUS
One of the earliest pioneers of the crossover niche has morphed into a refined, handsome and practical alternative. It’s comfortable too, and though available in six-speed manual only, the 1.5 dCI Tekna Plus spec offers many standard luxury and safety items and an 81kW/ 260Nm diesel motor that sips 4.2l/100km. Price: R473,200
RENAULT CAPTUR 66KW DCI DYNAMIQUE
The French company is on a roll in cutting down fuel consumption levels from its fleet, and the Captur is a poster car for this ambition. With its 3.6l/100km average, the Captur 66kW dCi Dynamique offers attractive crossover companionship for anyone looking at minimising running costs. This Captur crossover is powered by a 1.5l turbo diesel four-cylinder engine producing 66kW and 220Nm. Price: R343,900 Listed fuel consumption is an urban/freeway average claimed by manufacturers.