Best for mpg and fuel economy

With fuel prices heading for an all time high (March 1st 2011) choosing a car that offers the best possible fuel consumption has never been more important.

What's more, high fuel economy figures also mean lower CO2 emmissions and therefore lower tax costs.

Here we pick our favourite high milers.

£11,895

4.7 /5

The Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics model is Britain's cleanest non-electric car on sale today producing just 85g/km of CO2 and capable of an incredible 88mpg. It's not as fun to drive as the Ford Fiesta, but the interior is spacious and well made offering buyers excellent value for money.

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Skoda Fabia hatchback

GreenLine 1.2 TDI CR 75PS

£13,805

4.3 /5

Skoda's Greenline range is fast becoming a leading player in the race for better fuel economy. No car sums up what the badge offers better than this Fabia, which offers combined fuel economy of 83mpg. With a theoretical range of 833 miles between fill-ups, an average motorist covering around 15,000 miles a year would stop just 18 times to fill up with fuel. It's pricey, at £13,685, but standard equipment includes energy recovering brakes, and a fuel saving stop and start system.

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SEAT Ibiza estate

ST 1.2 TDI CR 75PS Ecomotive S Copa

£14,910

4.4 /5

Based on the popular Ibiza supermini, the SEAT Ibiza ST is a practical estate, offering up to 1164 litres of boot space. The ace up its sleeve, however, is the fact that it will also return up to 81mpg, and has a theoretical range of 798miles. The 1.2 litre engine is essentially the same unit that appears in the Skoda Fabia Greenline, and offers strong, quiet performance at motorway cruising speeds.

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Ford Fiesta hatchback

Edge Econetic 1.6 TDCi095 DPF

£14,095

5.0 /5

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic doesn't use complicated technology to deliver its 76mpg. In fact, it uses lightweight materials, special gearing and smooth bodywork to cut wind resistance. It's low CO2 emissions of 98g/km make it one of the most fuel efficient five seat family cars money can buy. Running costs are made lower by the fact that the car is free from road tax.

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Peugeot 207 hatchback

£9,995 - £16,145

4.0 /5

Peugeot's fuel sipping 207 Oxygo proves that while this popular hatchback isn't the youngest supermini on the block, it's still got what it takes to show its rivals a thing or two about fuel economy. Capable of returning 74mpg, the car's sub 100g/km co2 rating also means free road tax. Capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in less than 14 seconds, it's quick and responsive too.

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Toyota Auris hatchback

1.8 Hybrid CVT (89g) T4

£20,295

3.9 /5

The 1.8-litre Toyota Auris Hybrid has one of the biggest engines of all the cars in our line up, but it makes the grade courtesy of the fact that this engine is actually a petrol and electric hybrid. Battery power boosts performance and means the Auris returns up to 74mpg. It's CO2 emissions of 89g/km are among the lowest in this group. It's electric engine is particularly effective in town, where the car is extremely quiet and relaxing to drive.

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Volkswagen Golf hatchback

BlueMotion TDI 1.6 105 PS

£18,860

4.5 /5

Want a fuel efficient car, but don't want to give up on driving fun? Then the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is the car for you. With a full tank, the BlueMotion will cover a staggering 899 miles - but every one of them will leave a smile on your face, thanks to the way in which the Golf handles. Like its rivals here, the Golf BlueMotion is free from road tax.

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Renault Scenic MPV

Dynamique TomTom 1.5 dCi 110

£19,825

4.5 /5

OK, so at 54mpg, our Scenic hardly matches the Eco credentials of its rivals, however this spacious MPV still has plenty to recommend it. With a full tank of diesel, it will cover over 731 miles, and has space inside to transport five adults in complete comfort. The car is well equipped, with satellite navigation and air-conditioning.

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Skoda Superb hatchback

S GreenLine 1.9 TDI PD 105PS DPF

£18,905

4.5 /5

With its limousine like dimensions, and ultra comfortable interior, it's hard to believe the Skoda Superb Greenline will return a supermini-rivalling 64mpg. CO2 emissions of 114g/km of CO2 means this car just misses out on free road tax - however it's comfortably the biggest car to offer over 60mpg - and there's an estate version you can choose as well. We are big fans!

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Land Rover Freelander 2 SUV

eD4 S 2WD

£22,245

4.8 /5

The only 4x4 in our line up... and while there are more fuel efficient rivals out there (including the Skoda Yeti and Toyota Urban Cruiser) the Land Rover offers unmatched off-road ability, and luxury. This new front-wheel-drive version delivers 47mpg and has a theoretical range of 704 miles. Road tax is £155 per year, thanks to CO2 emissions of 158g/km.

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