New Zealand’s fuel prices are on the rise, so it makes sense to hire a car that uses the least fuel.  Whether you would like to rent a car for a short trip or a long trip, there are a variety of fuel-efficient options to choose from.  Let’s discuss some of our most fuel-efficient rental cars so you can decide which one is right for you.  

Among our smallest and most affordable cars are our economy hatchbacks, such as our Toyota Yaris with a 1.3L engine and Holden Spark with a 1.4L engine. The Toyota Yaris (automatic) uses approximately 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers, and it has a tank capacity of 42 liters. As for the Holden Spark, it consumes about 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers with a tank capacity of 32 liters.

Our small hatchbacks are a good choice if you need a bit more space, such as the Toyota Corolla which has a 1.8L engine and does about 6.1L/100km, and the Ford Focus which has a 1.5L engine and does about 6.4L/100km. 

How to improve fuel efficiency in your rental car

Driving style also affects fuel consumption, and you can save money by following these tips.  

  • Create a trip plan – Combine errands with trips or plan a long trip that is fuel efficient.
  • Relax – The cost of fuel per trip increases by 40% when you drive aggressively, such as accelerating hard and braking hard. 
  • Watch your speed limit and drive smoothly – Use cruise control, and remember the faster you go, the more wind resistance, the more fuel you’ll consume.
  • Engine Brake – Using the engine brake early is the best way to slow down.
  • Avoid idling – Unless you are in traffic, turn your engine off if you are idling for more than 10 seconds.
  • Drive to warm up your vehicle – Modern vehicles only need thirty seconds to warm up in the winter.
  • Minimise air conditioning – You can avoid air conditioning by using flow-through ventilation or opening windows around town. When you’re on a long trip, an open window can actually use more fuel than air conditioning due to increased wind-drag, so keep both factors in mind.  

Photo credit: Bestami Sarıkaya/Unsplash

Economy

Economy

Toyota Yaris

  • 5 Passengers
  • Automatic
  • 1 Large, 2 Small
  • Airconditioning
  • 4 Doors
Additional Features
  • 2 Small Bags
  • 1 Large Bag
  • 1.3 litre
  • Petrol
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • MP3 Player
  • USB
  • CD Players
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • 5 Star (ANCAP)
  • Airbags
Compact

Compact

Ford Focus

  • 5 Passengers
  • Automatic
  • 1 Large, 2 Small
  • Airconditioning
  • 4 Doors
Additional Features
  • 2 Small Bags
  • 1 Large Bag
  • 1.5 litre EcoBoost
  • Petrol
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • MP3 Player
  • USB
  • CD Players
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • 5 Star (ANCAP)
  • Satelite Navigation
Premium Economy

Premium Economy

Holden Spark

  • 5 Passengers
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 4 Doors
Additional Features
  • 2 Small Bags
  • 1.4 litre
  • Petrol
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • MP3 Player
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • 5 Star (ANCAP)
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps