Supercars are the stuff of dreams: posters on bedroom walls, the epitome of success and the eye-candy playthings of Top Gear’s former terrible trio. Most of these speed machines are available in South Africa, and if you have the bank balance to match, you’ll be living the dream and cruising the freeways in jaw-dropping style.

But, for the majority of us, rising fuel prices force our imaginations in the other direction, towards economical cars. While electric cars are efficient and eco-friendly, they require daily top-ups of Eskom’s finest commodity, which isn’t always readily available. So, when it comes to conventionally powered cars (occasionally with some hybrid technology thrown in), which are the most frugal fuel-sippers? We’ve found the five fastest and the five most economical cars on SA’s roads.

Five of the fastest cars in SA

Porsche 911 Turbo S

0–100 km/h: 3.1 seconds

The 911 first appeared in 1963, but there is nothing geriatric about this dynamics-defying Le Mans racer for the Everyman.

Ferrari 458 Speciale/488 GTB

0–100 km/h: 3.0 seconds

While every Ferrari boasts a sub-3.7 second time, these are the fastest, offering toe-curling performance – and then some.

McLaren 650S

0–100 km/h: 3.0 seconds

More exclusive than other supercars, but despite its connection with F1, it doesn’t yet have the cachet of rivals.

Nissan GT-R

0–100 km/h: 2.9 seconds

Nissan’s high-tech gran turismo star takes the flag by virtue of its 11.8ℓ/100 km fuel economy. PlayStation gaming for real.

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4

0–100 km/h: 2.9 seconds

Named after an iconic raging bull that left its mark on many matadors, this car leaves its own mark on the road.

Five of the most economical cars in SA

Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi / Toyota Yaris Hybrid

3.6ℓ/100 km

Both of these cars are practical buys, but the two-model turbo-diesel Fiesta is R60 000 less than the petrol-hybrid Yaris.

Volvo v40 d4 excel

3.5ℓ/100 km

Volvo has long shed its boring square image, and this 2.0ℓ turbo-diesel model is strong and remarkably thrifty. 

VW Polo Hatch 1.0TSI BlueMotion

4.2ℓ/100 km

The Polo is one of the country’s best-sellers for good reason. This new three-pot petrol turbo model cocks a snook at the pumps.   

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

3.1ℓ/100 km

Porsche’s 2 000 kg super-saloon can run on a whiff of petrol, yet sprint from 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Crazy!

BMW i8 eDrive

2.1ℓ/100 km

BMW’s electric/three-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid is a triumph of engineering that’s super economical. Its coupé format limits its appeal, though.