Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid

Hello Mabs

I drive mostly in the city during the week, with the odd long-distance trip every few months. I’m torn between petrol, diesel and hybrid, especially with fuel prices being so unpredictable. Which option actually makes sense for everyday life and long-term savings?

Mabs Answers:

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer really depends on your lifestyle. If you mostly drive short city trips, petrol or hybrid makes more sense — diesel engines don’t love stop-start traffic. Diesel is better suited to frequent long-distance driving, like regular trips between provinces. Hybrids are becoming more attractive in South Africa because they save fuel in traffic and don’t rely on charging infrastructure like full EVs. With fuel prices constantly changing, efficiency matters more than fuel type alone. My advice? Choose what suits your daily reality, not what sounds good on paper. The best savings come from the right match.

Share:

Partner with Xploreza

Hot

More Posts

Send Us A Message

Practical advice for car buying, family travel, and smart living - from experts who get it
XploreZA

Your trusted guide to cars, travel and smart living.

Making smart choices easier with 50+ years of real-world expertise

Mabs: 20+ Years Industry Leader

Car of the Year Former Chairman

Trusted by Readers

BPC REPORT 4: 1.3.0 Free Checklist Not Completed, 07/02/2026 20:53:19 Active Has SSL Cookies disabeled or was accepted