Fuel Consumption by Car Model Calculator NZ 2026

This calculator lets you pick a popular New Zealand car model and instantly see its typical fuel economy, then work out the fuel used and the cost for any trip or for a whole year. Fuel economy in New Zealand is measured in litres per 100 kilometres, written as L/100km, where a lower number means a more efficient car. The trouble is that most people do not know their car's figure off the top of their head, and the number on a window sticker is a lab combined figure that can feel abstract. Here you simply choose your model from the list, such as a Toyota Corolla, a Ford Ranger or a RAV4 Hybrid, and the calculator fills in a representative combined economy for that model. You then enter the distance you want to cost, whether that is a single trip, a weekly commute or your estimated kilometres for the year, and the price you pay per litre. It returns the litres of fuel used, the total cost, the cost per kilometre and the cost per 100 kilometres, so you can compare models or budget for running a car. The model figures are indicative and meant to get you in the right ballpark; the exact economy of your car depends on the variant, engine, driving style and conditions, so for precision you can type in the figure from your owner's manual or the official fuel label, or measure your real economy at the pump. For diesel and electric vehicles, remember that road user charges also apply on top of fuel or charging. This is an estimate to help you plan and compare, not a guaranteed running cost.

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$
$17.10
fuel cost for this distance
Economy6.0 L/100km
Fuel used6.0 L
Cost per km17.1c
Per 100km$17.10

Model figures are indicative combined economy. For your exact car, check the fuel label or measure at the pump. An estimate only.

How it works

Fuel used is the distance times the economy divided by 100, so distance times L/100km, divided by 100, gives litres. The cost is the litres times the price per litre. Cost per kilometre is the total cost divided by the distance, and the cost per 100 kilometres is the economy times the price. Choosing a model fills in a typical combined figure, which you can override with your own number for accuracy.

Worked example

A Toyota Corolla petrol is rated at about 6.0 L/100km. Over 100 kilometres at $2.85 a litre, it uses 6 litres, costing $17.10. That is 17.1 cents per kilometre. The same 100 kilometres in a Ford Ranger at 8.4 L/100km would use 8.4 litres and cost $23.94, about 24 dollars, showing how model choice changes running costs.

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Frequently asked questions

What does L/100km mean?

Litres per 100 kilometres is the standard New Zealand measure of fuel economy. A lower number is better. A car rated at 6.0 L/100km uses 6 litres of fuel to travel 100 kilometres, so a 600 kilometre trip would use about 36 litres.

Are these fuel figures exact for my car?

No. The model figures are indicative combined ratings to get you close. Real economy depends on the exact variant, engine, driving style and conditions. For your specific vehicle check the owner's manual, the fuel label, or the Gen Less and Rightcar databases, and you can type your own figure in.

How do I work out my real fuel use?

Fill the tank, note the odometer, drive normally, then refill and record the litres and kilometres. Litres divided by kilometres times 100 gives your real L/100km. Enter that figure here for the most accurate cost per trip or per year.