What Car? Q&A - Which cars are most economical?

Q: I am looking for an economical car to run that will be doing at least 80 miles a day mainly on the motorway – what are the best buys?
Lisa Eldridge

A: If outright economy is what you’re after, city cars and superminis like the Fiat Panda and Kia Picanto or Seat Ibiza and Honda Jazz could be what you’re after. They can return almost 70mpg on the combined cycle with a diesel and exceed 50mpg with a petrol.

If you’re mainly on the motorway, you might want to sacrifice some economy for a bit of added overtaking and cruising ability, however. Powerful diesel versions of the Ibiza still manage more than 50mpg, however, as do diesel-engined small family cars such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra or Volkswagen Golf.