Buying guide: The top 10 most fuel efficient new cars

DESPITE DEPRECIATION (the loss of a car’s value as it ages) being the biggest single motoring cost, we are all obsessed with how much fuel our cars consume. With that in mind, and the fact that fuel consumption and vehicle taxation are now so closely linked, we thought it would be helpful to reveal the UK’s top 10 most fuel-efficient new cars.

We’ve confined ourselves to five-door petrol and diesel models because they’re the most practical and appealing. Naturally, being the most efficient engines, diesels fill our top 10 and attract no road tax.

One last thought: we’ve quoted official consumption figures, so don’t be surprised if you rarely achieve them in the real world.

1 Hyundai i20 1.1 CRDi Blue 5dr (£11,895)

Official fuel economy 88.3mpg Official CO2 output 84g/km

Consumption knocking on the door of 90mpg and a spacious five-door body, the i20 is the penny-pincher’s choice at less than £12,000. What’s more, it’s covered by a five-year warranty.

Search for and buy a quality used Hyundai i20 on driving.co.uk

2 Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi 5dr (£11,895)

Official fuel economy 88.3mpg Official CO2 output 85g/km

The Rio is only tipped to the top by sister car the i20’s fractionally cleaner exhaust. Otherwise it’s the same story, only this time you can sleep soundly for two more years thanks to its seven-year warranty.

Search for and buy a quality used Kia Rio on driving.co.uk

3 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 90 ECO 5dr (£14,545)

Official fuel economy 88.3mpg Official CO2 output 83g/km

Fuel consumption to match the Koreans above but unquestionably better looks, the Clio makes a compelling case. If only it were a tad cheaper.

Search for and buy a quality used Renault Clio on driving.co.uk

4 VW Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 5dr (£21,270)

Official fuel economy 88.3mpg Official CO2 output 85g/km

Now here’s a surprise: a big car with a large, 1.6-litre diesel engine achieving the economy of a more compact and smaller-engined model. Don’t let its high price put you off; it’ll be balanced by a strong, future residual value.

Search for and buy a quality used Volkswagen Golf on driving.co.uk

5 Ford Fiesta Style ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi S/S 5dr (£15,395)

Official fuel economy 85.6mpg Official CO2 output 87g/km

A recent, successful facelift has given the Fiesta a new lease of life. Dial in its sparkling road manners and this model’s miserly fuel consumption, and it’s a tempting choice. Haggle a big discount, though.

Search for and buy a quality used Ford Fiesta on driving.co.uk

6 Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95 ecoFlex S/S 5dr (£14,940)

Official fuel economy 85.6mpg Official CO2 output 88g/km

The Corsa is a tried and trusted supermini but lacking a little in the charisma department. Still it’s a parsimonious little thing and there’s probably a dealer near you.

Search for and buy a quality used Vauxhall Corsa on driving.co.uk

7 Skoda Fabia Greenline II 1.2 TDI CR 75 5dr (£13,875)

Official fuel economy 83.1mpg Official CO2 output 88g/km

The leanest VW Polo, the 80.7mpg BlueMotion 1.2 TDI, costs £16,415 so do the smart thing, save £2,500 and buy the Fabia, its sister car. Its slightly lower fuel consumption is the icing on the cake.

Search for and buy a quality used Skoda Fabia on driving.co.uk

8 Citroën C3 1.4 e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS auto 5dr (£15,050)

Official fuel economy 83.1mpg Official CO2 output 87g/km

The C3 might not be the best car of our top 10 to drive but it’s got plenty of quirky charm and what’s more, it’s the only automatic here, which could be a deal breaker for someone.

Search for and buy a quality used Citroën C3 on driving.co.uk

9 Peugeot 208 1.4 e-HDi Stop and Start EGC 70 5dr (£15,295)

Official fuel economy 83.1mpg Official CO2 output 87g/km

Underneath those good looks lurks chassis technology from the old 207, so don’t expect cutting-edge driving thrills. However, with over 80mpg possible, do expect rare visits to the fuel pumps.

Search for and buy a quality used Peugeot 208 on driving.co.uk

10 Volvo V40 D2 ES 5dr (£20,595)

Official fuel economy 83.1mpg Official CO2 output 88g/km

In truth, this Volvo is an expensive way to save fuel. With the exception of the Golf, it’s at least £5,000 dearer than the other cars in our list but that’s because it’s a premium hatchback that can rub shoulders with the Mercedes A-class, Audi A3 and BMW 1-series.

Search for and buy a quality used Volvo V40 on driving.co.uk