Fuel consumption for a 1.6-liter engine varies widely depending on vehicle type, driving conditions, and whether the engine features hybrid technology. For traditional petrol 1.6L engines in compact sedans and hatchbacks, you can expect combined fuel economy figures typically ranging from 35 to 45 miles per gallon (mpg), with city driving usually yielding numbers closer to 31–33 mpg and highway conditions achieving up to 41–45 mpg[1][4].
A standard diesel 1.6L engine, such as found in models like the Peugeot 208 BlueHDi, can offer similar or slightly better efficiency in real-world driving[5].
For hybrid vehicles with a 1.6L engine and electric assist, fuel economy is notably higher, with typical figures ranging from 49 mpg up to 75 mpg combined[6]. For example, hybrid hatchbacks with a 1.6-liter engine often achieve 55–75 mpg, while hybrid sedans with a 1.6L engine may offer 49–52 mpg[6].
Driving habits, speed, and vehicle weight can significantly affect fuel consumption. For instance, sustaining higher speeds (like 75 mph) on highways can lower the efficiency to around 33–37 mpg, as reported by owners of 1.6-liter non-turbo engines[1]. In comparison, a 1.6-liter engine is generally about 33% more fuel efficient than a V8 in similar sized vehicles and driving scenarios, meaning you would typically use a third less fuel to cover the same distance[3].
- Standard 1.6L petrol engines: 35–45 mpg combined
- Highway speeds (70–75 mph): 33–37 mpg
- 1.6L hybrid engines: 49–75 mpg combined
- Diesel 1.6L engines: Comparable or slightly higher than petrol equivalents
- Fuel economy is about 33% better than typical V8 engines