Car fuel consumption is a constant problem among drivers. With highly volatile prices in the Philippines, it can be challenging for Filipino drivers to get around without breaking the bank. On top of growing economic and environmental concerns, car-related expenses trigger a shift in customer demand toward units that balance performance, safety, style, and fuel efficiency.
If you want to minimize your carbon footprint and enjoy substantial savings at the fuel pump, you’re in the right place. This article delves into the characteristics defining the most fuel-efficient cars in the Philippines and a comprehensive list of the least gas-guzzling automobiles in the market.
5 Traits of a Gas-Efficient Car
The following features can help you make more informed decisions when searching for gas-efficient cars in the Philippines.
1. Engine size
Smaller engines have fewer cylinders and operate at lower revolutions per minute (RPM), requiring less fuel to generate the vehicle’s power. When shopping for cars, it’s ideal to look for those within your preferred automotive class with compact and well-designed engines that utilize gas efficiently without sacrificing power.
2. Body shape
Vehicles with streamlined designs encounter less air resistance, reducing the energy needed to propel them forward. Modern car designs often incorporate sloping roofs, smooth curves, and airflow channels to enhance aerodynamics. Conversely, boxy cars tend to consume more fuel over time.
3. Build materials
One of the biggest considerations to ponder when looking for a fuel-efficient car is, “What is it made of?” Modern vehicles typically use lightweight materials like aluminum, requiring less energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Meanwhile, those with heavy wood and metal construction tend to be slower and more fuel-intensive.
4. Axle ratio
Axle ratio refers to how many revolutions a driveshaft must make to spin its axle for a complete turn. A higher ratio allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs while maintaining a consistent speed, reducing fuel consumption. It particularly makes long highway drives more efficient.
5. Tire choice
Tires with low rolling resistance minimize friction between the rubber and the road, requiring less energy to move the car. With tires coming from reputable manufacturers like Triangle Tires, odds are they have low resistance and, therefore, promote better fuel efficiency.
7 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in the Philippines
Are you looking to buy a new car? If gas efficiency is your top priority, here are some of the best choices in the automotive world.
1. Chevrolet Spark
This underrated hatchback-style vehicle boasts a fuel-efficient yet powerful 1.4L naturally aspirated ECOTEC engine. The Chevrolet Spark can drive roughly 10.1km/L in city traffic. It features a compact frame, 38L gas tank, and continuous variable transmission (CVT) on top-of-the-line variants, improving fuel efficiency, especially on long highway drives.
2. Honda CR-V
Despite being a compact SUV, the Honda CR-V runs for 10.3km/L inside cities and significantly more along highways. You have two unique choices when it comes to engine size: a 1.5L turbocharged gas engine that prioritizes power or a 2.0L hybrid Atkinson-cycle setup that’s perfect for hybrid cars.
While both are efficient mills, the latter is significantly more so. Of course, the CR-V’s iconic sleek lines and curves make it an aerodynamic vehicle at high speeds.
3. Toyota Wigo
Many Filipino drivers laud Toyota for being a fuel-efficient automobile brand, and for good reason. For instance, the Wigo hatchback receives power from a 1.0L dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine capable of driving 10.5km/L within city limits.
Today, DOHCs are the most common engine setup. Their superior airflow, multiple valves per cylinder, and separate camshafts for intake and exhaust make them significantly more efficient than overhead valves (OHV) and single camshafts (SOHC).
4. Suzuki Celerio
This vehicle runs on a 1.0L three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that can go up to 11.1km/L. It has sleek lines and curves, making it more aerodynamic than its boxy sibling, the S-Presso. Like most modern vehicles, the Celerio’s premium variant has a CVT squeezing as much power as possible from its small engine thanks to the transmission’s endless gear ratios.
5. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
A Filipino classic, the Mirage G4 is one of the most fuel-efficient cars available in the country. It has a 1.2L gas engine—with options between a five-speed manual and a CVT—capable of running 12km/L in the city. It’s also surprisingly light, only weighing 1,305 kg. Even better, you can expect further cost savings as it’s one of the most affordable vehicles in the Philippine market.
6. Nissan Leaf
In the market for electric vehicles? The Nissan Leaf doesn’t consume gas or diesel and is an efficient, powerful car that can drive 311km with 148 hp and 320 Nm of torque—all in a single 40kWh battery. There’s no wonder why the Leaf was once a top electric car in the world.
7. Toyota Vios
Let’s end the list with the best-selling car in the Philippines: Toyota Vios. Efficiency is a significant reason for its status: choose between a 1.3L and a 1.5L mill, which pairs with a CVT. The Vios also clocks in at 12.2km/L in city traffic with its 42L tank. Its premium variant features an ECO driving mode, further cutting fuel consumption.
Pump Up Your Gas Savings
Prioritizing fuel efficiency when shopping for a new vehicle can help you save more in the long run and make car ownership a more worthwhile experience. Consider the above factors to guide your decision when buying a new car.
And while you’re at it, why not look at tires that embody fuel efficiency and proper wheel maintenance? Triangle Tires has an expansive selection of quality tires, from passenger cars to heavy equipment vehicles, available for delivery at reasonable prices.
Browse our tire catalog or contact us to learn more.
