Renault Clio 1.5 dCi - most economical cars

All models in the Renault Clio range promise low fuel consumption. Buy the 900cc TCe version with the £250 ECO pack (which brings longer gear ratios and low-rolling-resistance tyres), and its three-cylinder petrol turbo engine should return 62.8mpg. But the 1.5-litre diesel grabs the headlines here - and it's not all that surprising that it gives the same figures as the identically-engined Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi.

With the ECO pack, this Clio delivers an amazing 88.3mpg, making it one of the cheapest cars to run on the market.

Buyers won’t have to compromise on style inside or out to cut their bills. The latest Clio is sold as a five-door only, but hidden rear door handles make it look like a three-door, plus there’s a wider range of colour schemes, decals and trim options for the body and interior than on many other superminis.

And the modern dash is dominated by a cool seven-inch touchscreen display. The boot size leaves a Ford Fiesta trailing, with 300 litres of space or 1,146 litres with the rear seats folded, while low insurance group ratings add to the appeal.

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