Petrol remains the default choice for many European buyers, offering lower upfront costs than electrified alternatives and no reliance on charging infrastructure. Direct injection, 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, and smaller turbocharged engines have improved efficiency, but petrol’s share of the EU market is in decline — registrations fell by nearly 19% in 2025. We have reviewed more than 40 petrol models, from compact city cars to performance saloons, focusing on real-world fuel use, refinement, and value.