Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars In Malaysia For Under RM100,000
For Malaysians, refuelling our cars has to be one of the most constant drains to our wallets, especially now that the price of petrol has come back up. But as many of us depend on private vehicles as a primary mode of transport, we have no choice but to keep filling up our tanks every week.
While hybrid and electric cars are gaining traction, the majority of these car models remain less competitive in terms of price point when compared to budget and economy fuel-efficient cars in our country.
Car manufacturers these days understand our dilemma and strive to improve their vehicles’ engines in terms of fuel consumption. Many of today’s vehicles owe a lot of their fuel economy to their higher compression ratios so that Malaysian car owners can get more mileage for less fuel.
Here, we’ve narrowed down some of the most fuel-efficient cars in Malaysia for under RM100,000:
1) Perodua Bezza 1.0 Standard G – A/T
Price from RM35,391
Many financial experts recommend that you keep your car-related expenses (including petrol and maintenance) to under 15% of your net salary.
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Max output: | 50km/6000rpm |
| Max torque: | 91Nm/4400rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 4.7L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 36L |
Why it’s awesome: Keyless entry with a push-start button and vehicle stability control and hill start assist are all available in the top 1.3 Advance variant. For a sedan, it is also flexible with a 60:40 split folding rear seats if additional space is needed, making this an economical choice for a family car.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 = RM73.80
2) Proton Iriz 1.3 MT
Price from RM36,700
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Max output: | 70kW/5,750rpm |
| Max torque: | 120Nm/4,000rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 5.8L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40L |
Why it’s awesome: The Proton Iriz has a NCAP rating of five stars, and comes with two airbags, ABS, hill start assist and traction control. However, Iriz lacks spaciousness, most notably in the headroom and legroom areas, but comes with bolstered seats that will help with long journeys.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM82
3) Myvi 1.3 Standard G – A/T
Price from RM43,029
| Compression ratio: | 10.0:1 |
| Max output: | 70kW/6,000rpm |
| Max torque: | 121Nm/4,000rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 6.2L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 36L |
Why it’s awesome: It comes with dual airbags, alarm, immobiliser and Isofix mounts as standard. A car compact and yet spacious enough for city driving, packed with safety features like traction control, Anti-Lock Braking system, 4 airbags and even a seatbelt reminder for the driver and front seat passenger.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM73.80
4) Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
Price from RM99,888
| Compression ratio: | 13.0.1 |
| Max output: | 77kW/5500rpm |
| Max torque: | 148Nm/4,000rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 4.9L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45L |
Why it’s awesome: For a hatchback, the car is sleek and spacious with enough interior storage compartments. The IONIQ comes with a 4 cylinder petrol-electric engine and has great fuel economy as well as central locking and power door locks.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM92.25
5) Kia Picanto 1.2 EX A/T
Price from RM49,518
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Max output: | 84kW/4,000rpm |
| Max torque: | 122Nm/4,000rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 5.8L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 35L |
Why it’s awesome: The Kia Picanto is available on both manual and auto transmissions. Both variants use a 1.2 litre engine producing 86hp. It comes with features that manThe 2019 Kia Picanto EX A/T has generous safety equipment with six6 airbags, traction control and stability control. It’s a great car for music lovers as it comes with both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Plus, this car has tiny footprints, this means that it is easy to park.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM71.75
6) Honda Jazz 1.5 S
Price from RM72,511
| Compression ratio: | 10.3 |
| Maximum output: | 88kW/6,600rpm |
| Maximum torque: | 145Nm/4,600rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 5.6L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42L |
Why it’s awesome: The Honda Jazz comes with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with enhanced gear ratios and a G-Design Shift. It claims better fuel efficiency and better acceleration. Safety has also been improved with vehicle stability assist now as standard equipment, along with hill start assist and emergency stop signal. It doesn’t stop there – the Jazz also comes fitted with a multi-angle reverse camera, which is hooked to the Display Audio entertainment system.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM86.10
9) Nissan Almera 1.0 Turbo VLT
Price from RM91,310
| Compression ratio: | 10.3:1 |
| Maximum output: | 74kW/6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque: | 152Nm/4,000rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | 5.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 35L |
Why it’s awesome: Equipped with a blind spot warning system and rear-cross traffic alert, this Nissan model has its safety features on par with its fuel-efficiency. The Nissan 1.0 Turbo also allows you to easily connect to Apple CarPlay – good news for the Apple fans. Boasting its fuel efficiency at an estimated 5.4litre per 100km which allows you a generous range of 650km before having to refuel your tank.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM71.75
8) Honda City 1.5L S
Price from RM74,191
| Compression ratio: | 10.1:1 |
| Maximum output: | 89kW/6,600rpm |
| Maximum torque: | 145Nm/4,300rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 5.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40L |
Why it’s awesome: Ample legroom is available despite being a small sedan. It is flexible, suitable for urban and highway driving. Apart from Drive mode, there is also Sport mode that gives the car a boost when it comes to speed and performance.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM82
9) Kia Rio
Price from RM78,518
| Compression ratio: | 10.1:1 |
| Max output: | 73.3kW/6,000rpm |
| Max torque: | 133Nm/4,000rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45L |
Why it’s awesome: Both its interior and exterior look sporty and posh. Overall, it’s a stylish car with plenty of space and stability with their new 5 door design. It works well on the highway at a high speed of 120km/h. On top of that, it boasts some cool features like keyless entry, push-button start, auto lights, and more.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM92.25
10) Toyota Vios 1.5G
Price from RM87,854
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Maximum output: | 80kW/6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque: | 140Nm/4,200rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 6.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 42L |
Why it’s awesome: The car comes with vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control as standard on all variants. Splurge a little and you get to pick from a host of options: the DVD-AVX system with a reverse camera on the J variants, the DVD-AVN navigation system with a seven-inch capacitive touchscreen and an upgrade to the DVD-AVN system for models with DVD-AVX.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM86.10
Bonus: Mazda 2 Skyactiv 1.5 SDN
Price from RM100,770
| Compression ratio: | 14.0.1 |
| Maximum output: | 85kW/6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque: | 148Nm/4,000rpm |
| Fuel economy**: | Est. 5.2L/ 100km |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 44L |
Why it’s awesome: Just a little bit over RM100,000, the Mazda 2 Sedan 1.5L comes with a newly developed Skyactiv-G 1.5L engine that is designed to enhance both economy and eco-friendliness. The Skyactiv-body is also engineered to be lighter in weight and increased rigidity, hence drivers can expect better safety performance and increased fuel economy. Great for city-drivers.
Estimated cost for full-tank based on the current price of RON 95 : RM90.20
Getting the right car can help you save money in the long-term. That’s why its important to take your time and find one that fits your needs, and also your bank account!
*RON95 is quoted at RM2.05 per litre according to fuel prices for March 10, 2021.
**The fuel economy estimates shown are based on car manufacturers’ technical information and/or car listing websites. They may vary based on model or engine type, driver’s experience and usage. For more information, please ask your local car retailer.
Originally published on September 21, 2015, this article has been updated to reflect current prices.
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