The quest for vehicles that deliver both thrilling performance and exceptional fuel economy often leads to familiar names. However, a deeper dive into the automotive market reveals a fascinating selection of underdogs – models that surprisingly combine exhilarating speed with impressive frugality at the pump.
These contenders, all manufactured from 2018 onwards and readily available in the Kenyan market, redefine what it means to drive efficiently without sacrificing excitement. Let’s explore some of these unexpected low fuel consumption cars.
10. Lexus IS 300h
220 HP
The Lexus IS 300h stands out as a prime example of fuel efficient cars in kenya and globally, offering a surprising blend of performance and exceptional economy through its hybrid powertrain. Combining a 2.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, it delivers a total system output of around 220 hp and approximately 221 Nm of torque.
Its fuel economy is remarkably high, often exceeding 20 km/l. While Lexus is known for luxury, the IS 300h’s efficient performance can be an unexpected bonus for those seeking a refined and economical sedan. In Japan, expect used prices to start around JPY 3.0 million (approximately $19,600 USD).
9. Mazda CX-5 Turbo
227 HP
The Mazda CX-5 with its turbocharged engine is an unexpected contender among cars with low fuel consumption in the popular mid-size SUV category. The 2.5-liter turbo engine produces approximately 227 hp and 420 Nm of torque, offering a surprising level of performance that elevates it beyond the typical family SUV.
Despite this added power, it still achieves a respectable fuel economy of around 12-13 km/l. Often praised for its stylish design and engaging handling, the turbocharged CX-5 adds an unexpected element of performance to its already appealing package. For those seeking a used option from Japan, prices can go as low as JPY 2.2 million (approximately $14,400 USD).
8. Toyota GR86
232 HP
The Toyota GR86 is a pure sports car that surprisingly balances its focus on driving enjoyment with reasonable fuel consumption. Its 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine produces approximately 232 hp and 250 Nm of torque, prioritizing engaging handling and a direct driving feel.
It achieves a fuel economy of around 10-11 km/l, which is commendable for a dedicated, rear-wheel-drive sports car. Often seen as a fun but perhaps less practical option, its relative efficiency can be an unexpected benefit. The Japanese used market typically sees these models starting from JPY 2.5 million (approximately $16,300 USD).
7. Subaru WRX
271 HP
The Subaru WRX, while renowned for its performance, also represents one of the cars with low fuel consumption in the all-wheel-drive sports sedan category. Its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine produces approximately 271 hp and 375 Nm of torque. Despite its rally-inspired heritage and engaging driving dynamics, the WRX achieves a fuel economy of around 10-11 km/l.
Often overshadowed by more mainstream performance sedans, the WRX offers a unique blend of turbocharged power, all-weather capability, and surprising efficiency. The used market in Japan typically sees these models starting from JPY 2.7 million (approximately $17,600 USD).
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6. Audi SQ2
296 HP
The Audi SQ2 is a surprising entry among cars with low fuel consumption in the premium compact SUV market. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces approximately 296 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Combined with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, it offers brisk acceleration and engaging handling while achieving a fuel economy of around 11-12 km/l.
Often perceived as a stylish and practical small SUV, the SQ2’s performance capabilities can be an unexpected delight for drivers. The starting price for used models in markets like the UK is approximately GBP 26,000 (approximately $32,500 USD).
5. Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC
302 HP
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC delivers a surprising level of sports cars thrills in a compact hatchback package. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces approximately 302 hp and 400 Nm of torque, offering brisk acceleration and confident handling thanks to its all-wheel-drive system.
Despite its AMG performance credentials, it achieves a fuel economy of around 10.5-11.5 km/l. While the A-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level model, the AMG variant offers an unexpected combination of performance and relative efficiency. In markets like Australia, used examples can be found for as little as AUD 55,000 (approximately $36,500 USD).
4. BMW X2 M35i
302 HP
The BMW X2 M35i injects an unexpected dose of sports car agility and power into the compact luxury SUV segment. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces approximately 302 hp and 450 Nm of torque, resulting in rapid acceleration and engaging driving dynamics. For a performance-oriented SUV, the X2 M35i achieves a fuel economy of around 9.0-9.5 km/l.
Often overlooked in favor of more traditional BMW performance models, the X2 M35i offers a unique blend of SUV practicality and hot-hatch-like performance. The starting price for used models in the UK is approximately GBP 28,000 (approximately $35,000 USD).
3. Volkswagen Arteon R
316 HP
The Volkswagen Arteon R elevates the stylish Arteon with a surprising blend of performance and efficiency in the executive car segment. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine delivers approximately 316 hp and 420 Nm of torque, allowing for swift acceleration and a dynamic driving experience.
Despite its sporty character, the Arteon R achieves a fuel economy of around 9.5-10.0 km/l. Often overshadowed by more established premium brands, the Arteon R offers a compelling combination of sleek design, engaging performance, and respectable fuel consumption. Used prices in the UK often begin at GBP 33,000 (approximately $41,000 USD).
2. Honda Civic Type R
326 HP
The Honda Civic Type R is a celebrated hot hatchback that also stands out as one of the more fuel efficient cars in its high-performance category. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces a potent approximately 326 hp and 420 Nm of torque.
Despite its track-focused capabilities and exhilarating performance, it can achieve a fuel economy of around 12-13 km/l. While known for its aggressive styling and performance, the Type R’s ability to deliver respectable fuel economy is often an unexpected attribute. Used prices for the previous generation (FK8) in Japan often begin at JPY 3.3 million (approximately $21,500 USD).
1. Kia Stinger GT
365 HP
The Kia Stinger GT showcases that Kia can produce genuine sports cars with impressive credentials. Its 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivers a potent 365 hp and 510 Nm of torque, offering thrilling acceleration and a refined yet potent driving experience. Surprisingly, the Stinger GT achieves a fuel economy of around 8.0-8.5 km/l.
It often surprises those who associate the Kia brand primarily with value and economy, offering performance and features that rival more established luxury marques. The used market in regions like Japan typically sees these models starting from JPY 3.8 million (approximately $24,800 USD).
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