It’s no secret that having your own personal transport is more convenient and essential as the threat brought upon by COVID-19 is still present in the country. But, with the current fuel price hike along with the shift to a more lenient Alert Level 1 status, driving within Metro Manila is like a double edge sword.
In fact, the Department of Energy (DOE) said that gasoline prices could spike to Php 100 per liter, depending on the movement of oil prices in the world market. Diesel prices, on the other hand, are also estimated to rise by more than Php 12 per liter.
Fuel efficiency is important these days
This is why having a fuel-efficient car is more important than ever as fuel prices continue to go up. With that, we listed down the top 10 most fuel-efficient cars that we’ve tested or reviewed. The fuel economy numbers we got for every car were taken from our in-city and highway tests. Take note that the fuel efficiency rating listed in this article is dependent on the current traffic situation during the period we conducted the test drive.
That said, in-city fuel economy numbers are dependent on whether the traffic is light, moderate, or heavy. On the open highway, we make it a point as much as possible to cruise at an average speed of 90 km/h. Again, the average speed varies depending on the current traffic situation during our test. Check out our Car Reviews section for more detailed numbers when it comes to fuel economy ratings.
Here are the most fuel-efficient cars we’ve driven so far.
Honda City Sedan RS
Honda's fifth-gen model of the City delivered
The Honda City Sedan RS took the top spot when it comes to the most fuel-efficient cars we’ve driven. During our week-long test drive, the City Sedan RS posted 16.5 km/l to and from Makati to Quezon City while driving at an average speed of 40 km/h.
City traffic was relatively light during the time of our test drive. On the open highway, Honda’s subcompact sedan continued to deliver impressive fuel economy as it registered 20.6 km/l.
As such, the 2021 Honda City Sedan RS comes with a combined fuel efficiency rating of 18.6 km/l, clinching the most fuel-efficient car on our list.
Kia Soluto
One of Kia Philippines' best-selling units
The Kia Soluto closely followed the City Sedan RS when it comes to fuel efficiency. Similar to the City RS, Kia’s subcompact sedan posted impressive fuel eco numbers. In the city, it yielded 16.7 km/l while it posted 20 km/l on the highway.
Kia Sportage GT Line
Another Kia entry on this list
Coming in at third spot is the Kia Sportage GT Line, which is powered by a 2.0-liter CRDI diesel engine that puts out 183 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The city and highway traffic were relatively light when we drove the Sportage due to the current COVID-19 restrictions at that time. The Sportage’s sedan-like fuel eco numbers are impressive at 16 km/l in the city, and 18.5 km/l on the highway.
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
It now boasts a sleeker front end
Mitsubishi Philippines’ claim about the Mirage G4’s fuel economy stood its ground when we reviewed it. It posted notable numbers during the duration of our test drive. In the city, it registered 12.5 km/l while on the open highway it yielded 21.6 km/l.
Honda CR-V SX
Diesel-powered Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V SX bags the fifth spot in the most fuel-efficient cars we’ve reviewed. It is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged DOHC diesel engine that puts out 118 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This setup allowed the CR-V SX to record 11 km/l in the city, and 22 km/l on the highway.
>>> Find a good Honda CR-V 2003 at the best price
Check out the table below for the top 10 most fuel-efficient cars we’ve driven so far.
| Most Fuel Efficient Cars in the Philippines | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RANK | CAR | CITY (km/l) | HIGHWAY (km/l) | COMBINED (km/l) |
| 1 | Honda City Sedan RS | 16.5 | 20.6 | 18.6 |
| 2 | Kia Soluto | 16.7 | 20 | 18.4 |
| 3 | Kia Sportage (Diesel) | 16 | 18.5 | 17.3 |
| 4 | Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | 12.5 | 21.6 | 17.1 |
| 5 | Honda CR-V SX (Diesel) | 11 | 22 | 16.5 |
| 6 | Kia Seltos | 11.3 | 21.2 | 16.3 |
| 7 | Toyota Hilux G | 15 | 17.4 | 16.2 |
| 8 | Toyota Vios G | 12.2 | 19.9 | 16.1 |
| 9 | Honda City Sedan V | 12.1 | 19.5 | 15.8 |
| 10 | Suzuki Vitara AllGrip | 10.1 | 21.4 | 15.8 |
For more car related articles, automotive news, and used car prices, keep it here on Philkotse.com
Know more about Kia Soluto 2024
The Kia Soluto 2025 is a 5-seater subcompact sedan that has been selling well in the local market, accounting for 21 percent of Kia Philippines' 2021 sales. It is available in four variants, Kia Soluto 2025 Philippines price ranges between Php 780,000 and Php 865,000. Powering this vehicle as standard is a 1.4-liter inline-4 gasoline dual CVVT that is capable of generating 94 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque. Either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic can be connected to the engine.
Moving to the dimensions, the Soluto has a length of 4,300 mm, a width of 1,700 mm, and a height of 1,460 mm. Also, it comes with a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,570 mm and 150 mm, respectively. In the local market, the Korean subcompact sedan competes against the likes of the Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, and Geely Emgrand.
>>> New and used Kia Soluto 2025 for sale in the Philippines
Kia Soluto Launch
The Kia Soluto was first introduced at the 2017 Auto Shanghai. The Korean marque then proceeded to make the said model available in China in the same year. Later on, it debuted in other countries as the Kia Pegas.
For the Philippine market, the Soluto was launched by Kia Motors Philippines. The said launch occurred simultaneously with the brand's relaunch under the Ayala Corporation.
Kia Soluto Exterior
The Philippine-spec Soluto is equipped with halogen headlamps, halogen turn signal lights, and halogen taillights. The top-spec EX variants also have front fog lamps. As for wheels, All variants of this Kia model use a 14-inch set. The entry-level LX, however, uses a set of steel wheels, while the EX has alloy wheels.
Kia Soluto Interior
Like most of its competitors in the Philippine market, the Soluto can comfortably fit up to five occupants including the driver. All variants come standard with fabric seats and a manual air-conditioning system. It also has a USB charging port, as well as a 12-volt charging outlet.
Speaking of the driver, the Soluto also provides an analog gauge cluster, a turn-key ignition system, a digital trip computer, and a manually adjustable driver's seat. Lastly, the Kia sedan also has a default trunk space of 475 liters.
Technology & Safety Features
To keep its occupants entertained, the Soluto is equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen headunit capable of connecting via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, and aux-in. For all variants, the said headunit is linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Standard on the Soluto is an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, dual front airbags, and ISOFIX child seat tethers.
Chassis & Platform
The Soluto for the Philippines market currently uses the PB Platform shared by Hyundai and Kia. Just like its brother, the Hyundai Reina, the Kia sedan has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. For suspensions, it utilizes a MacPherson strut-type front suspension and a torsion beam-type rear suspension. Braking is handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The model also uses a hand-operated manual parking brake.
Engine & Drivetrain
Propelling the Kia Soluto is a 1.4-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. It can produce up to 94 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque. For both the EX and LX variants, a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed torque converter automatic is available.
Available colors for the Kia Soluto are Clear White, Titanium Silver, Blue Stream, Aurora Black Pearl, and Marcato Red.
The Kia Soluto comes with features that make it a good daily driver in the city. However, it doesn't come with a lot of safety bits, unlike its rivals such as the Geely Emgrand and Toyota Vios.
Kia Soluto 2025 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Kia Soluto L MT | ₱698,000 |
| Kia Soluto L AT | ₱745,000 |
| Kia Soluto 1.4 LX MT | ₱780,000 |
| Kia Soluto 1.4 LX AT+ | ₱825,000 |
| Kia Soluto 1.4 LX AT with alloy wheels | ₱835,000 |
| Kia Soluto 1.4 EX AT | ₱865,000 |
Kia Soluto Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good cabin space
- Relatively affordable
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Exterior is not as posh as the interior
- Doesn't come with a lot of safety features
- Needs a significant update
Kia Soluto FAQs
1. Is the Kia Soluto safe?
Kia Soluto 2025 only stops at a basic level with ABS, EBD, 2 airbags, a reverse camera, and a reverse sensor.
2. Does the Kia Soluto come with an automatic transmission?
The Kia Soluto comes with either an automatic or manual gearbox.
3. How many colors is the Kia Soluto offered?
You may choose from 5 color options including Titanium Silver, Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Marcato Red, and Blue Stream.
4. Is the Kia Soluto 2025 an SUV car?
5. What are the dimensions of the Kia Soluto 2025?
The overall dimension of the Kia Soluto is 4,300 mm length x 1,700 mm width x 1,460 mm height
₱ 780,000 - ₱ 865,000
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