With the fluctuating cost of fuel in Pakistan, people are now keeping in mind how fuel-efficient cars are, while looking for a used car that is less than 25 lakhs is their main concern. When buying a used car within a budget of PKR 2.5 million, a well-rounded approach is essential that considers not only the fuel efficiency but also the overall maintenance expenses. Fortunately, this budget has great local hatchbacks and Japanese domestic market (JDM) import vehicles that shine in stop-and-go city driving. Let’s take a deeper look into the top 6 fuel-efficient choices that are available today.
1. Suzuki Alto (660cc) — Models 2019 to 2021
| Car Metric | Suzuki Alto 660cc Details |
| Model Years | 2019 to 2021 |
| Generation | 8th Generation (Local Assembly) |
| Engine Type | R06A (3-Cylinder, 12-Valve DOHC) |
| Displacement | 658 cc |
| Max Power | 39 hp @ 6500 RPM |
| Max Torque | 56 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
| Transmission | • 5-Speed Manual (VX / VXR) • AGS Automatic (VXL) |
| Urban Mileage | 18 to 22 km/liter |
| Highway Mileage | 22 to 25 km/liter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 Liters |
| Available Trims | • VX: Base model (No AC) • VXR: Mid trim (AC, basic audio) • VXL: Top trim (AGS, ABS, Airbags) |
| Safety Features | • Dual Airbags (VXR & VXL) • ABS Brakes (VXL only) • Immobilizer (Standard) |
| Infotainment | Touchscreen MP5 Display (VXL Only) |
| Wheel Size | 145/80 R13 (13-Inch Wheels) |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
| Price Estimate | PKR 2,000,000 to PKR 2,400,000 |
| Market Status | Undisputed fuel economy champion, cheapest spare parts, rapid resale turnaround. |
2. Daihatsu Mira e:S (660cc) — Models 2013 to 2016
| Car Metric | Daihatsu Mira e:S Details |
| Model Years | 2013 to 2016 |
| Import Status | JDM Imported (Japanese Domestic Market) |
| Engine Type | KF-VE3 (3-Cylinder, 12-Valve DOHC) |
| Displacement | 658 cc |
| Max Power | 49 hp @ 6800 RPM |
| Max Torque | 57 Nm @ 5200 RPM |
| Transmission | Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Eco Tech | “Eco-Idle” (Automatic engine stop-start) |
| Urban Mileage | 18 to 23 km/liter |
| Highway Mileage | 24 to 27 km/liter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 Liters |
| Popular Trims | • L: Base variant • X / X SA: Mid tier with alloy wheels • G / G SA: Fully loaded premium tier |
| Safety Features | • Dual Airbags (Standard) • ABS Brakes (Standard) • Smart Assist (SA package traction/brake assist) |
| Comfort Feature | • Power Steering & Windows • Digital Climate Control AC • High-grade cabin insulation |
| Wheel Size | 155/65 R14 (14-Inch Wheels) |
| Ground Clearance | 150 mm |
| Price Estimate | PKR 2,100,000 to PKR 2,500,000 |
| Market Status | Celebrated for superior Japanese build quality, smooth drive, and advanced safety tech on a budget. |
3. Suzuki Cultus (1000cc) — Models 2017 to 2019
| Car Metric | Suzuki Cultus 1000cc Details |
| Model Years | 2017 to 2019 |
| Generation | 3rd Gen globally (2nd Gen Local Assembly) |
| Engine Type | K10B (3-Cylinder, 12-Valve DOHC) |
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 67 hp @ 6000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 90 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
| Transmission | • 5-Speed Manual (VXR / VXL) • 5-Speed AGS Automatic (Late 2018+ AGS) |
| Urban Mileage | 15 to 18 km/liter |
| Highway Mileage | 18 to 21 km/liter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 Liters |
| Boot Space | 254 Liters (Substantial luggage volume) |
| Available Trims | • VXR: Base (Steel wheels, no airbags/ABS) • VXL: Mid-loaded (Alloys, ABS, 2 Airbags) • AGS: Fully loaded Auto (Alloys, ABS, 2 Airbags) |
| Safety Features | • Dual SRS Airbags (VXL & AGS) • ABS Brakes with EBD (VXL & AGS) • Immobilizer Anti-theft (Standard) |
| Key menities | • Tilt-Adjustable Power Steering • All 4 Power Windows & Central Locking • Bluetooth-enabled Audio Connectivity |
| Wheel Size | 165/65 R14 (14-Inch Wheels) |
| Ground Clearance | 145 mm |
| Price Estimate | PKR 2,100,000 to PKR 2,450,000 |
| Market Status | Celebrated for providing a true 1000cc family engine, superior cabin room, and highly reliable resale value. |
4. Suzuki Wagon R (1000cc) — Models 2017 to 2020
| Car Metric | Suzuki Wagon R 1000cc Details |
| Model Years | 2017 to 2020 |
| Body Style | “Tall-Boy” Hatchback (High Roof) |
| Engine Type | K10B (3-Cylinder, 12-Valve DOHC) |
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Max Power | 67 hp @ 6200 RPM |
| Max Torque | 90 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
| Transmission | • 5-Speed Manual (VXR / VXL) • 5-Speed AGS Automatic (2020+ VXL AGS) |
| Urban Mileage | 14 to 17 km/liter |
| Highway Mileage | 17 to 19 km/liter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 Liters |
| Cabin Ergonomics | Exceptional vertical headroom (ideal for tall passengers) |
| Available Trims | • VXR: Base tier (Power steering, manual windows, steel rims) • VXL: Top tier (Power windows, central locking, alloy rims) |
| AC System | High-performance cooling unit (optimised for hot summers) |
| Safety Features | • Immobilizer Anti-theft (Standard) • Note: Lacks factory airbags/ABS in these model years |
| Wheel Size | 145/80 R13 (13-Inch Wheels) |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Price Estimate | PKR 1,900,000 to PKR 2,300,000 |
| Market Status | The ultimate commercial and ridesharing favorite, known for raw engine durability and rapid market liquidly. |
5. Mitsubishi Mirage (1000cc) — Models 2013 to 2015
| Car Metric | Mitsubishi Mirage 1000cc Details |
| Model Years | 2013 to 2015 |
| Import Status | JDM Imported (Japanese Domestic Market) |
| Engine Type | 3A90 (3-Cylinder, 12-Valve MIVEC) |
| Displacement | 999 cc |
| Max Power | 69 hp @ 6000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 86 Nm @ 5000 RPM |
| Transmission | INVECS-III Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Eco Tech | AS&G (Auto Stop & Go system for idling reduction) |
| Urban Mileage | 16 to 19 km/liter |
| Highway Mileage | 20 to 22 km/liter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 Liters |
| Popular Trims | • E: Base variant • M: Mid tier with power windows • G: Fully loaded high tier |
| Premium Features | • Push Start ignition (G Trim) • Digital Automatic Climate Control AC • Keyless Smart Entry |
| Safety Features | • Dual SRS Airbags (Standard) • ABS Brakes with EBD (Standard) • Stability Control (Traction control system) |
| Interior Space | Excellent rear legroom and premium cabin materials |
| Wheel Size | 165/65 R14 (14-Inch Wheels) |
| Ground Clearance | 150 mm |
| Price Estimate | PKR 2,100,000 to PKR 2,400,000 |
| Market Status | A highly underrated JDM hatchback offering premium electronic features and luxury drive quality on a budget. |
6. Toyota Passo (1000cc) — Models 2010 to 2013
| Car Metric | Toyota Passo 1000cc Details |
| Model Years | 2010 to 2013 |
| Generation | 2nd Generation (XC20 Model) |
| Import Status | JDM Imported (Japanese Domestic Market) |
| Engine Type | 1KR-FE (3-Cylinder, 12-Valve DOHC) |
| Displacement | 996 cc |
| Max Power | 68 hp @ 6000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 92 Nm @ 3600 RPM |
| Transmission | Super CVT-i (Column-mounted gear shifter) |
| Urban Mileage | 13 to 15 km/liter |
| Highway Mileage | 16 to 18 km/liter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 Liters |
| Seating Design | Signature front “Sofa Seat” (bench seat) layout |
| Popular Trims | • X: Standard base variant • X L Package: Comfort features added • +Hana: Premium design variant with projector lamps |
| Safety Features | • Dual SRS Airbags (Standard) • ABS Brakes with EBD (Standard) • Electronic Stability Control |
| Key Comforts | • Column shifter freeing up central console space • Retractable side mirrors • Multiple cabin utility storage pockets |
| Wheel Size | 155/80 R13 (13-Inch Wheels) |
| Ground Clearance | 145 mm |
| Price Estimate | PKR 2,000,000 to PKR 2,400,000 |
| Market Status | Celebrated for its rock-solid Toyota engine reliability, immense interior width, and exceptional long-term durability. |
Comparative Matrix: Fuel Efficiency vs. Pricing
| Car Model & Origin | Engine Size | Real-World City Mileage | Average Budget Range |
| Daihatsu Mira (JDM Import) | 660cc | 18 to 23 km/liter | PKR 21.0 – 25.0 Lakhs |
| Suzuki Alto (Locally Assembled) | 660cc | 18 to 22 km/liter | PKR 20.0 – 24.0 Lakhs |
| Mitsubishi Mirage (JDM Import) | 1000cc | 16 to 19 km/liter | PKR 21.0 – 24.0 Lakhs |
| Suzuki Cultus (Locally Assembled) | 1000cc | 15 to 18 km/liter | PKR 21.0 – 24.5 Lakhs |
| Suzuki Wagon R (Locally Assembled) | 1000cc | 14 to 17 km/liter | PKR 19.0 – 23.0 Lakhs |
| Toyota Passo (JDM Import) | 1000cc | 13 to 15 km/liter | PKR 20.0 – 24.0 Lakhs |
Crucial Buying Tip for Pre-Owned Cars
Always request and confirm the car’s original Japanese auction sheet as part of the transaction before buying an imported JDM car to assure that the mileage has not been altered. If the vehicle is not manufactured in the region, obtain a vehicle inspection professional who is certified to confirm suspension strength, engine compression condition and gearbox functioning condition.
