What Car? Q&A - What's the most economical supermini?

Q: I'm looking for a new supermini, but would like the one that does the most miles per gallon (petrol or diesel). Could you advise me which car this is?
Collette Haworth

A: The most economical supermini you can buy new is the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion 1 - it achieved a whopping 74.3mpg when tested independently.

Bear in mind, though, that while the Bluemotion 1 is one of the most efficient cars around, it's expensive at £11,995.

Other superminis, such as the Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi and Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 MultiJet 75, are a lot cheaper to buy and also offer excellent fuel economy (62.8mpg each).

It would take the average driver decades to make up the Polo's extra purchase cost in fuel savings.

Having said that, the Bluemotion 1 won't cost you anything in car tax.

Its carbon dioxide emissions of 99g/km mean it scrapes into Band A, whereas the Vauxhall and Fiat will cost you £35 a year.