The fuel price hike in Nigeria has made car owners rethink their ways. A lot of them are now looking towards fuel-efficient or alternative-energy-driven vehicles to help cut costs. This article brings out costly but popular cars in Nigeria, and cars that would save one’s money during this trying time of hiked fuel prices.
Popular Cars in Nigeria
The above features characterize what Nigerians look for in durable and affordable cars: maintenance cost-effective. The following are some of the most-used cars:
- Toyota Corolla – The fuel efficiency is always durable, and the most affordable spare parts are available.
- Toyota Camry (‘big daddy’ and ‘muscle’) – It’s all about reliability and a strong engine with this one.
- Honda Accord (‘EOD’ and ‘discussion continues‘) – It’s really famous for comfort and durability.
- Lexus RX 300 & RX 350 – It has a majority of Nigerian users, though it is more of a fuel consumer.
- Toyota Sienna – Majorly with the commercial transporter who moves with a family.
- Mercedes-Benz (C-Class & E-Class) – Just for the luxurious people, though it is high on consumption cost.
- Hyundai Elantra & Sonata – Much generalization with these because they are not high but fuel-efficient.
- Kia Rio & Cerato – Very small, fuel-efficient, and pocket-friendly.
Best Cars to Use Now That Fuel Prices Are High
With fuel prices skyrocketing, switching to more fuel-efficient or alternative-energy cars can help reduce costs. Here are some of the best options:
1. Fuel Economical Petrol Cars
These are some of the cars that can be before this time less petrol wise:
• Toyota Corolla (2010 & above) – Some of its types do up to 15 km per litre.
• Honda Civic – It is quite small but very fuel-efficient.
• Hyundai Elantra & Sonata- these types will have fitting comfort with their fuel-efficient engines.
• Kia Picanto – This is a very small car but rather eats up the fuel.
2. Hybrid Cars (Petrol + Electric)
These are cars that are in conjunction with an electric motor to use lesser gas:
• Toyota Prius – The most wanted type of hybrid car in the world, that saves the most fuel.
• Lexus ES 300h – A luxury hybrid having reduced fuel consumption.
• Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid – Very economical yet affordable.
3. Electric Cars (EVs)
Electric Cars are those that consume no fuel and are not that common in Nigeria due to power issues:
• Tesla Model 3- Has an amazingly long battery range but still needs to have charging stations.
• Hyundai Kona EV- Already in Nigeria, to be serviced with charging facilities is the only challenge now.
• Nissan Leaf– An economically friendly electric car for a short range.
4. CNG (Compressed Natural gas) Cars
Currently, there are some Nigerians who are converting petrol cars to run on CNG, which is cheaper:
• Toyota Camry (CNG converted)
• Hyundai Accent (CNG converted)
• Kia Cerato (CNG converted)
Conclusion:
Fuel-efficient petrol cars, hybrids, and CNG-powered vehicles offer better options. If infrastructure improves, electric cars might become a viable long-term solution. Until then, choosing cars that consume less fuel is the best way to cope with the high cost of petrol.
What Do You Think?
With fuel prices at an all-time high, many Nigerians are looking for ways to cut down on costs. Some are switching to smaller, fuel-efficient cars, while others are considering hybrid or electric options. CNG conversion is also becoming an alternative.
What’s your take? Would you consider getting a hybrid or electric car if the infrastructure improves, or do you prefer sticking to fuel-efficient petrol cars? Let’s hear your thoughts!
I’ll prefer conversion to CNG
I have someone who buys CNG gas full tank for N4,000
Yes it’s very cheap, CNG is the best for now.
Some people are considering the risk of CNG, explosion and all
I’m not sure I can sit in a car that uses CNG. Scary.