Excuse me... would you like a used diesel that averages over 70mpg? If so, try the Fiat 500 1.3 MultiJet Lounge. This city car is kinder to the environment than a Greenpeace manifesto. Why? Because it averages 72.4mpg rising to 85.6mpg on the extra-urban cycle. It is also fun to drive, looks tremendous, and fashionable enough to make your neighbours explode with jealousy. The Fiat 500 1.3 MultiJet Lounge has a new list price of £13,760, but a 2011 example with 10,000 miles on the clock could be waving your environmental flag from £11,000. That is the independent dealer retail price, so pay closer to £10,000 for a private example in good condition. Pay less, if it has a flagpole in the roof.
Excuse me... would you like to slide into a super-efficient French supermini? If so, try the Peugeot 207 Oxygo+1.6 HDi. This uses less fuel than driftwood on the River Seine. It therefore averages 74.3mpg increasing to 85.6mpg on an extra-urban cruise. It also has plenty of gadgets to keep motorists happy as they risk life and limb in Paris. As such air- conditioning, Bluetooth, and MP3 playback are standard features. Throw-in a reasonably composed chassis, fair ride, and quirky looks and it becomes clear that this French run- around deserves consideration. Pay £9,000 for a 2011 example from an independent dealer, or £8,750 privately. What a contrast to the £14,095 new list price. Long live France.
Excuse me.... would you like a diesel that only few people have heard of? If so, try the super-efficient Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi Blue. This supermini burns less fuel than a solar powered calculator. In fact, it averages 76.4mpg rising to 80.7mpg on the extra-urban cycle. But how much? A new i20 1.4 CRDi Blue has a list price of £13,445, but a 2011 model that has covered 10,000 miles could be sipping your fuel for less than £10,000. That is the independent dealer price, private vehicles in excellent condition sell for £9,400. The cherry on our solar powered calculator is that the i20 1.4 CRDi Blue produces 89bhp, hits 62mph in 13.4s, has pleasing handling, and a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Excuse me... would you like an even more fuel efficient used diesel? If so, try the Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Edge ECOnetic. This run-around burns less fuel than a lazy snail. In fact, it averages a staggering 78.5mpg and returns 88.3mpg on an extra-urban run. This complements the Fiesta's engaging handling, stunning styling, and fashionable image. That brings us to cost. A 2011 example – which has covered an average mileage – could be parked next to your pet snail for £10,300. Again, that is the independent dealer price so private vehicles should sell for hundreds less. What a contrast to its £14,445 new list price.
Excuse me.... we must now consider the best of the best. The Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI BlueMotion is more efficient than a German bureaucrat. As such, this eco-champion averages a highly organised 80.7mpg rising to an unbelievable 91.1mpg on the extra- urban cycle. Polo BlueMotion virtues also include rock-solid build quality, understated looks, and effortless handling. A new model costs £15,210, but expect to pay £11,800 for a 2011 example from an independent dealer. Or, buy privately for £11,300. Choices, choices.