Top most economical cars

The mainstream production car that averages over 70mpg is now a reality. Here, we've looked at the 10 most economical cars on sale in Britain - and know what? Not a single one does less than 65 to the gallon...


MINI Clubman Cooper D, 68.9mpg




The Clubman is one of the coolest things in town. And while it can't match its dinkier, lighter baby brother for economy, it's still way beyond anything you could achieve in most other cars. The diesel engine officially averages just under 69mpg here - and this time, you can realistically bring along mates and luggage.

OK, it's still not Tardis-like, but the added extra space makes it a much more useful machine. You can, basically, get things in. Something you're hard-pressed to do in the hatch. The green status it commands means that following fashion needn't be a jet-engined flight of environmental fancy.


MINI Cooper D, 72.4mpg




BMW's EfficientDynamics programme has extended down to the MINI with dramatic effect. It's now the most economical car the company produces, with 72.4mpg attainable from its 1.6-litre diesel engine. Tricks such as automatically turning off (oh, and restarting) the engine at traffic lights help here.

But don't think the MINI has become a dullard because of them. It's well up for the traffic light GP; courtesy of 110bhp, it's able to hit 60mph in 9.9 seconds. We know, this does nothing for fuel economy, but MINI driving's inevitably as much about fun as it is about fuel economy.

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion, 74.3mpg



The Polo achieves exactly the same fuel returns as the SEAT, and also beat it to market. So why isn't it top? Because of the small matter of over £1k extra on the asking price. And a lack of standard air con. Yes, we know it's a Volkswagen, and it has better-quality plastics inside.

The keyfob that shopkeepers in Mayfair won't get sniffy about helps, too. But really, they're the same car underneath, and feel little different to drive. Fuel economy is just as much about saving money as it is about saving cash: therefore, if the Polo is for you, hot-foot it... to your local SEAT dealer