DRIVING habits and traffic conditions of the roads you frequent will influence the fuel economy of your car greatly. Barring these two factors, the choice of car is obviously a huge determinant. We list some fuel-sippers here, grouped according to vehicle type. Their consumption figures are real-life numbers clocked by everyday drivers in Singapore, and not what the manufacturers declare.

Sedans

The Toyota Corolla (a new Altis costs $67,388) has long been a safe bet when it comes to value, space, refinement and reliability. But with its VVT-i engine introduced nearly 10 years ago, economy has been a strong suit too. The 1.6-litre car is good for around 13km per litre - a virtue that is more noticeable today than a decade ago. Although the newly launched (and heavier) model may not match this figure, it is unlikely to stray far.

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Volkswagen's new Jetta TSI ($95,200) is not as frugal as the Corolla, but it packs a lot more performance. Assisted by both a supercharger and a turbocharger, its 1.4-litre engine will return at least 10km a litre. Not bad for a car that hits 100km in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 220kmh. Not to mention the road tax savings. The Jetta TSI could be a trendsetter for future cars.

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MPVs

The relatively lightweight Toyota Wish ($70,000) will do between 11 and 12km per litre, which is very decent for a seven-seater. It is also very decently equipped and is suitably versatile, accessible and spacious.

Honda's latest Stream ($76,000) is said to handle better than the Wish, but is not as accommodating. Like the latter, it has a 1.8-litre engine and returns 10 to 11km on a litre.

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Hatchbacks

The Honda Jazz ($58,500) is chic inside and out. Its well-appointed cabin consists of a sporty and modern cockpit, a second row that boasts a flat floor and lots of head-room all around. Best of all, it is a true sipper.

The 1.4-litre CVT model will cover 15 to 17km per litre, without the driver trying hard. Authorised agent Kah Motor should have the latest (and bigger) model later this year.

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Hybrids

The Toyota Prius ($90,000) (above) is an economy champ. Even when driven harshly, it will do at least 17km per litre. More measured driving will coax more than 20km out of a litre. Its petrol engine will shut down completely at the lights, saving both fuel and the environment. It is also incredibly refined.

The Honda Civic Hybrid ($81,000) is not as refined nor as frugal. Driven enthusiastically, it emits a loud CVT whine and manages under 14km on a litre. It is really a 'mild hybrid', although it is accorded the same green vehicle rebate as the Prius. Owners, however, will find that it handles better and is somewhat more engaging than the Prius.

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SUVs

A frugal sports-utility vehicle is an oxymoron. But here are two exceptions, although neither will fare well off the beaten track. The compact Daihatsu Terios 1.5 (two-wheel-drive, manual, $59,800) will comfortably manage 11 to 12km per litre, and is not at all lethargic going about its business either.

If money is not an issue, opt for the Lexus RX400h ($162,000) (above), a petrol-electric SUV that offers silence, luxury and verve. Its 3.3-litre engine is assisted by two electric motors that are powered by self-recharging batteries onboard.

It delivers close to 11km per litre, which is nearly double what the conventionally powered RX350 manages. The RX400h used to attract a punitive road tax, but a revised rate is now a lot more palatable.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 15, 2008.