Toyota Aygo

On the face of it, the Toyota Aygo doesn’t have much in common with the upmarket Audi A1. The tiny city car is designed to deliver affordable urban motoring instead of premium appeal, with its cheeky looks, lightweight construction and bargain basement price tag.

However, low running costs come as standard, just as they do on the A1. Even though the Aygo doesn’t have a hi-tech diesel engine, special aerodynamics or a clever stop-start system, it still returns 62.8mpg. This impressive figure is achieved by packaging a simple 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit in the Toyota’s featherlight 800kg body. Evidence of the car’s weight-saving can be found everywhere, from the pop-out rear side windows to the hard and flimsy dash plastics. 

Surprisingly, this stripped-out feel doesn’t detract from the Aygo’s immense appeal. The light controls and characterful engine make it fun to drive on the open road, while the compact dimensions are ideal for around town.

The icing on the cost-saving cake is Toyota’s five-year warranty, plus decent residuals and an annual road tax bill of only £20. Add in the great fuel returns, and the only way to get from A to B for less is to walk!