9. Peugeot 208 e-HDi

The Peugeot 208 has brought the manufacturer back to the top of the supermini class, and low fuel consumption is a key part of its appeal.

Even the petrol models impress with their strong efficiency, while all the diesels in the range promise 74mpg-plus. The 208 e-HDi tops the fuel economy tree, with its 68bhp 1.4-litre diesel engine using stop-start to return 83.1mpg and emit only 87g/km of CO2.

Buyers can not only look forward to low fuel bills and exemption from road tax, but also a very competitive insurance group and long 12,500-mile service intervals. The boot size is on a par with the best cars in the class, too, at 285 litres, while safety equipment includes ESP and hill start assist.

Active-spec models upwards get a stylish seven-inch touchscreen in the centre console, and all but entry-level cars come with air-con, cruise control, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity.

Just bear in mind that the 208 isn’t as much fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta, while reliability problems have let down small cars from Peugeot over the years.