Superfast cars – surprisingly good fuel consumption

What Car?’s pick of the sub-six-second sprinters for real-world economy

BMW 640d: BMW’s elegant grand tourer is impressively quick

14 October 2015

What Car? has revealed its most recent pick of the best fuel economy results for cars that can sprint from 0-60mph in under six seconds.

Unlike official Government figures, which are determined in laboratory tests, What Car?’s True MPG findings are gained from real-world conditions.

Here’s the latest top nine – all beating 30mpg.

1. BMW 640d (auto) – official 51.4mpg: True MPG 45.2mpg

BMW’s elegant grand tourer may be carrying a fair amount of weight but it’s still impressively quick. With its six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel under the bonnet, it delivers a 0-60mph time of only 5.3 seconds. For a high-performance, large car, managing in excess of 45mph is commendable. It’s a particularly enjoyable experience, too. Not least because of a beautifully crafted cabin, fabulous upfront comfort and lots of standard kit.

The gearchange, which is slick and light, makes the most of the mighty engine

2. Porsche Boxster 2.7 (manual) – official 34.4mpg: True MPG 34.9mpg

This is the cheapest Boxster and costs around half as much as the 911 – but that doesn’t mean you get half the fun. It has, in fact, been What Car?’s best sports model in its Car of the Year Awards for two years running. The gearchange, which is slick and light, makes the most of the mighty engine and the Boxster is superbly poised in corners while also providing exceptional grip.

3. BMW M235i (manual) – official 37.2mpg: True MPG 34.8mpg

Sixty from a standstill in five seconds. Say no more. Elsewhere: the steering is light and precise and the chassis – perhaps not as agile as that of the Porsche Cayman – makes for invigorating B-road progress. The interior is nicely laid out and solidly put together. There’s also the practicality of two rear seats and a well-sized boot.

The 280 R develops 276bhp and features a quick and smooth DSG gearbox option

4. Volkswagen Scirocco 280 R (auto) – official 35.3: True MPG 34.0mpg

This offers something between hatchback and coupe practicality plus a welcome dash of sharp styling. The 280 R develops 276bhp and features a quick and smooth DSG gearbox option as well as Adaptive Chassis Control, allowing you to adapt the ride and handling to suit the mood. The boot is small, however, and rear-seat space is limited. That last niggle, it should be said, is common to many cars on this list.

5. BMW M135i (auto) – official 37.0mpg: True MPG 33.9mpg

With a What Car? Target Price of less than £28,000, this six-cylinder BMW is a genuine performance car bargain. The rear-wheel-drive M135i is sensational, offering a firm but excellently controlled ride coupled with thrilling performance.

Audi S1 has great pace both on straights and through bends

6. Audi S1 (manual) - official 40.4mpg: True MPG 32.4mpg

The diminutive S1, with its 228bhp engine, has great pace both on straights and through bends, thanks to its four-wheel drive configuration, which also makes for enjoyable driving on twisting country lanes. That said, it can feel bland at times and, even though the suspension is adjustable, the ride is rather choppy. The boot is tiny but the cabin’s well organised and nicely finished.

7. BMW 435i (auto) – official 35.8mpg: True MPG 32.2mpg

With a 306bhp straight-six engine that propels it from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, this is the quickest 4 Series you can get after the M4. The 435i provides a relaxing drive on the motorway, along with plenty of excitement off it – so it’s a well sorted grand tourer. Factor in loads of space for four adults and a good boot, and it’s easy to see why the 435i is What Car’s top coupe of 2014.

8. Porsche Cayman S (manual) – official 32.1mpg: True MPG 31.8mpg

One of the finest-handling sports cars at any price – and one of the most useable. The Cayman S delivers serious performance, but we’d be equally happy with the entry-level model. The Cayman changes direction with ease and the controls are beautifully weighted. Compared with the competition, it’s also excellent value. And while overall running costs won’t be cheap, you shouldn’t need to dig that deep when it comes to fuel.

9. Porsche 911 Carrera S (auto) – official 34.4mpg: True MPG 31.7mpg

Drive the 911 Carrera S with a little moderation and you’ll get just over 31mpg – a pretty amazing figure given a 4.5sec 0-60mph time and a top speed of 188mph. This remains one of the finest sports cars on the market, has a beautifully put together cabin and can even – in principle – seat four. Then again, it will cost £84,235 plus options. Dealers are reluctant when it comes to discounts, too.

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