Yes, a 1-litre car can generally go on a motorway. Modern small engines, particularly turbocharged units, provide enough power for safe highway merging and cruising. The key factor isn't just engine size but the car's specific power output, power-to-weight ratio, and your driving strategy.
The most significant challenge for a 1-litre car on a motorway is overtaking acceleration and maintaining speed on steep inclines. While cruising at 70 mph is achievable, the limited power reserve means it will take longer to pass slower vehicles. You need to plan overtaking maneuvers carefully, allowing for much greater distance. Hills can also cause a significant drop in speed, requiring you to use lower gears to maintain momentum.
Before taking a long trip, check your car's specifications. Look for the 0-60 mph acceleration time and the maximum horsepower. A car with a 0-60 mph time of under 12 seconds and around 70-100 horsepower is generally adequate for motorway use. For example, the turbocharged 1.0L engine in a Ford Fiesta produces 100 horsepower, which is sufficient for confident highway driving.
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 mph (approx.) | Motorway Suitability |
|---|
| Ford Fiesta (Turbo) | 1.0L EcoBoost | 100 hp | 9.4 seconds | Good - confident acceleration |
| Volkswagen Polo (Turbo) | 1.0L TSI | 95 hp | 10.8 seconds | Adequate - capable for most situations |
| Basic City Car (Non-turbo) | 1.0L | ~65 hp | 14+ seconds | Marginal - requires careful planning |
| Hyundai i10 | 1.0L MPi | 67 hp | 15.1 seconds | Challenging - slow acceleration, struggles on hills |
For safety, ensure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition, as this affects stability at high speeds. Keep to the left lane when possible, and always use your mirrors well in advance of changing lanes. The experience will be noisier and require more driver involvement than in a larger car, but it is a perfectly legal and feasible option for many drivers.
