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48 Phonebox Magazine | May 2025Phonebox Motoringwith Tom JohnstonAnd while great looks, comfort and space are all top considerations when it comes to choosing your next set of wheels, there can%u2019t be many drivers who don%u2019t include fuel costs in their considerations. One way to properly save on fuel (petrol and diesel) usage is to buy an electric car. Using volts to power their motors rather than fuel, electric vehicles (EVs) are the sure way to save money at the fi lling station.But for many motorists EVs are still not the preferred option. It might be the great unknown, the fear of running low on power and being unable to top up, or just a general mistrust or even dislike for this relatively new form of transport. They are simply not yet ready to make that huge change in their motoring lives. Thankfully then, most car makers build highly economical combustion-powered vehicles that burn oil but are still kind on the wallet when it comes to pulling up to the fuel pumps.So what is out there then? Here Phonebox Magazine takes a look at six eco-hero motors the look good and drive well %u2013 without costing a king%u2019s ransom to refuel. But this list is just the start %u2013 there are lots of good, miserly cars out there to try and perhaps buy.HONDA JAZZ %u2013 Small on the outside, the Jazz is surprisingly spacious once you%u2019ve settled into your driver%u2019s or front passenger%u2019s seat. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Jazz has amassed a big following of loyal owners and many Jazz drivers swap their current car for a newer model. You%u2019ll put fuel in it, of course, but not very often %u2013 the Jazz only comes as a self-charging hybrid (so there%u2019s no worry about charging it yourself), and returns impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Fuel economy %u2013 63 mpgCO2 %u2013 85 g/kmPrice guide %u2013 %u00a328,500Mazda 2 Hybrid %u2013 Small but beautifully put together the little Mazda is similar to the Yaris from rival Toyota. Very similar in fact %u2013 the hybrid version of Mazda%u2019s little supermini is actually built by mighty Toyota and the cars are very much alike, inside and out. Its 1.5-litre threecylinder petrol engine is linked to a clever little electric motor which assists the front wheels to drive. It not only THE MOST FUEL EFFAs the cost of living continues to squeeze consumers, motorists are increasingly dialling in %u2018fuel economy%u2019 to their list of must-haves when looking for their next car.