adminVeyron consumes so much fuel when doing 0-100km in just four seconds.
There are so many luxury cars which are so thirsty sitting on V6 and V8 engines you would think with the way they drink they would be dehydrated if they were humans.
Well, in this issue I look at luxury cars that make you enjoy all the luxury and are also light on your pocket fuel wise.
The years 2009 and 2010 had so many new introductions of such vehicle which are both luxurious and fuel savers.
I am going to briefly go through my top favourites. First stop is the 2010 Volvo C30.
I fell in love with it instantly when it was first introduced to the market in 2006.
It does about 10km per litre of fuel. With the C30, Volvo hoped to follow the success of the Mini Cooper with its own near luxury compact car that delivers a sporty driving feel.
The C30’s interior is a study in Swedish simplicity, with materials that way above its low asking price.
Its hatchback design offers more style than the norm, so you will look good while getting good mileage. See why I love it.
The Audi A3 TDI is another favourite; it does an average of 12,5km per litre. The A3 feels a bit down market for an Audi, but the TDI turbo-diesel four cylinder makes up for that with the sort of power that could pass for any luxury car.
This car moves out swiftly, and it gets an astonishing 14km per litre on the highway.
Diesel exhaust is hardly the smelly affair it was years ago — nor is diesel fuel as pricey as it was months ago. On both counts one stands to benefit.
The 2010 Audi A4 comes out tops too in fuel economy and still maintaining the luxury aspect.
At about 10km per litre, you have the complete package. The A4 combines an elegant cabin with surprisingly ample power from its turbo-charged four cylinder — plus 10km per litre with front wheel drive and an automatic transmission or 9,5km per litre with Quattro all-wheel-drive and a manual.
However, if you get a Quattro automatic, as many buyers do, the mileage will drop to a less enthralling 8km per litre. That is more in the neighbourhood of two-wheel-drive competitors, though, and given the A4 Quattro’s all-weather capabilities, it is still pretty impressive.
The 2009 BMW 335d, also get the heads up on fuel economy doing almost 12km per litre.
To those who say they would never buy a diesel-powered luxury car, I say drive the BMW 335d and then get back to me.
It is a diesel car with a difference, what with its abundant low-end torque, quiet operation and cleaned up emissions.
Plus, the 335d retains all of the winning ride and handling characteristics of the gas-powered 3 Series. There are other luxury cars with higher fuel economy estimates, but the 335d represents the best combination of efficiency and driving enjoyment.
Now to a spunky luxurious SUV with Japanese workmanship encrypted in its body, the Lexus RX range doing an average of 10km per litre.
I do appreciate that not every shopper searching for a fuel-efficient luxury car wants a sedan, which leads us to the Lexus RX 450h luxury hybrid crossover. Redesigned, the RX 450h notched significant fuel economy gains over its predecessor the RX 400h.
What is more, the RX 450h does not give up anything in terms of luxury or comfort.
There you have it if you are a queen of spunk like me, go for either the Volvo C30 or the Audi A3 TDI.
Whichever you choose, you will stand out and shine because you will have saved a few bucks. Then if you have a family or hangout with the boys too much, then the Audi A4 or the Lexus SUV will come in handy.
Then to the men who like to floss and be seen on a budget fuel wise because this vehicle doesn’t come cheap, then the BMW 335d is the one for you.
Stylish and diesel-powered, you can’t ask for more. To sum it up, they may cost quite a bit but in the long term, you will save on fuel.
Stay blessed, and be safe.
- Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected] or on Facebook; torque with Fact Jeke
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