If you’re a car shopper with your eyes on a sports car, you might be ready to pay for it at the pumps. However, if you pick a fuel-efficient option, it doesn’t need to cost you exorbitant amounts of money every time you fill up. Instead, you can buy one of Consumer Report’s picks for quick cars with the best fuel economy, like the 2022 Mazda MX-5 or the 2022 Mini Cooper. 

• Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Honda Civic Si
• Mini Cooper
• BMW Z4

Is the 2022 Mazda MX-5 fuel-efficient?

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata tops the list of fuel-efficient cars with sporting credentials. Mazda’s little roadster uses a 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine to cruise efficiently. Specifically, a 2022 Miata will net 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg at highway speeds. Those numbers shake out to a 30 mpg combined fuel economy rating. 

Since Fiat stopped producing the 124, the MX-5 is somewhat alone in its segment. Considering that the 2022 Mazda MX-5 is one of the only remaining roadsters on the market, it ticks many boxes for car shoppers, including fuel savings.   

Is the Honda Civic Si a quick car?

While the Honda Civic Si isn’t a traditional sports car, it is a quick vehicle. The Civic Si packs a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, making it a fun car. While the 7.1 seconds it takes to get to sixty doesn’t seem very fast, it certainly isn’t sluggish. Also, with 21 mpg city, 44 mpg at highway speeds, and 32 mpg overall, the Civic Si earns its spot on the list of fuel-efficient cars. 

However, with hatchback practicality and no convertible top, the Civic Si won’t give you the same roadster experience as the 2022 Mazda MX-5.

Is the 2022 Mini Cooper a quick car?

The 2022 Mini Cooper borrows some of its sporting credentials from its heritage. Even though the modern Mini Coopers are substantially larger and heavier than the Mini’s of old, the 2022 model is agile and gets respectable fuel economy numbers. Specifically, the Mini Cooper manages to get 23 mpg city and 38 mpg at highway speeds, for a combined total of 30 mpg. 

Is a BMW Z4 worth buying?

The 2022 BMW Z4 is a handsome, quick sports car with a convertible top for sun-soaked drives. However, to get into a little sports car with the illustrious BMW badge, you’ll have to part with at least $49,900. That’s nearly twice as much as the 2022 Mazda MX-5’s $27,650. It is, however, much quicker than the Mazda, sprinting to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. Finally, with highway mileage up to 40 mpg, it is pretty good on gas.

Should you buy a 2022 Mazda MX-5 or one of the other fuel-efficient quick cars?

Consumer Reports recommends the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata as a reliable, fun car that will hit sixty in less than 7.0 seconds. Also, with a combined fuel economy average of 34 mpg, the MX-5 provides a fuel-efficient option for sports car shoppers. However, the BMW Z4 and Mini Cooper also sport handsome styling and a fun driving experience. Still, buying a Z4 will cost you much more than the little Mazda. 

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