MINI One D hatch - most economical cars

The MINI hatch has been around since 2001, and for most of that time there's been a practical, high-efficiency diesel engine option. The current, third-generation MINI One D is the best of the bunch so far if economy and emissions are your priority.

Returning an impressive 83.1mpg and just 89g/km of CO2, the MINI One D isn't just about economy - it retains the same amazing handling and cheeky character as the standard petrol cars. The engine is a gem, too - incredibly quiet at idle, with minimal diesel clatter right through the rev range. It feels quicker than the 11-second 0-60mph time would suggest, too.

Of course, it's rare to find style and substance together, and something had to give - in the case of the MINI, it's practicality. The rear seats and boot are very tight indeed for passengers and luggage, and though the interior looks good and is very funky, it's not as easy to use as it should be, with controls positioned all over the place.

Despite this, if you don't regularly carry passengers, the MINI One D could be the ideal economical runaround.

The UK's most economical cars 

• 1. Peugeot 208 1.6 BlueHDi 75 - 94.2mpg
• 2. Peugeot 308 1.6 Blue HDi 120 - 91.1mpg
• =3. Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi 85PS - 88.3mpg
• =3. Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi 90 - 88.3mpg
• =3. Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 BlueHDi 120 - 88.3mpg
• =3. Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 90 ECO - 88.3mpg
• 7. Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 110PS ecoFLEX - 85.6mpg
• =8. Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDi 100hp ETG - 83.1mpg
• =8. Ford Focus 1.5 TDCi - 83.1mpg
• =8. MINI One D hatch - 83.1mpg