The small, compact car is the most popular model sold throughout the world, with the exception of the US. And for good reasons. Apart from being highly maneuverable, small cars also have the reputation of being more fuel-efficient. Since gas prices are not about to go down anytime soon, it makes sense to go for a car with a higher mileage per gallon (MPG). But if you are looking to buy any type of small car in order to spend a little less on gas, you might be paying for more than what you have bargained for.
We would like to present you with a list of the top 5 cars with the worst mileage per gallon. The following cars will make you stop at the gas station a little too often, even though they are all compact cars. For some models, gas consumption may vary according to the transmission, manual (MT) or automated (AT). All cars refer to the 2012 model. Let’s take a look at the countdown.
No. 5: Toyota Matrix
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MPG (highway): 26 (AT) 32 (MT)
MPG (city): 20 (AT) 26 (MT)
Combined MPG: 23 (AT) 29 (MT)
This eye-catching hatchback is truly enjoyable to drive, but if you’re planning on buying the model with the automated transmission, you might be shocked by how much gas it consumes. Plus, the manual trim is also about $3,000 cheaper.
No. 4: Volkswagen Golf R
MPG (highway): 27
MPG (city): 19
Combined MPG: 22
This 2-door beauty can certainly get your blood pumping , especially if you like a little bit of speed and strength. But this does come at a cost, as the Volkswagen Golf R is certainly not your most fuel-efficient car, with a combined MPG of only 21. Alternatively, you can opt for the diesel TDI version, which has a much higher combined MPG – 33.
No. 3: Mazda speed 3
MPG (highway): 25
MPG (city): 18
Combined MPG: 21
With 263 horsepower and acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, the Mazdaspeed 3 is a really powerful car, perfect for those who really love driving and controlling a car. However, all this power comes at a cost, as the Mazdaspeed 3 is one of the least fuel efficient cars on the market, with a combined MPG of only 21.
No. 2: Mitsubishi Lancer (Ralliart Sedan)
MPG (highway): 25
MPG (city): 18
Combined MPG: 21
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is quite a sport and sleek-looking car. With a 267 horsepower, it is also very powerful and perfect for those drivers who are a bit of a racer at heart. But, like with the Mazdaspeed 3, power usually means higher gas consumption. If you’re looking to save some money on gas, you can check out the CVT (continuously variable transmission) Mitsubishi Lancer, as this model has a higher MPG.
No. 1: Subaru Impreza Wagon WRX STI (MT)
MPG (highway): 23
MPG (city): 17
Combined MPG: 19.8
With a massive horsepower of 305, the Subaru Impreza Wagon certainly qualifies as a powerful car. But on the flipside, this super sport car uses as much gas on the highway as most cars do in the city. With a combined MPG of only 19.8, this Impreza is one of the least fuel-efficient cars on the market, despite being a compact model.
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