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  1. Five of the most efficient cars in their class
  2. SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive & VW Polo Bluemotion
  3. Ford Focus Econetic
  4. BMW 318d
  5. Ford Kuga

BMW 318d

In the so-called D-segment, there are a huge number of makes and models competing for the same customers, but it didn't take long to whittle out the efficient cars. Really, three stand apart from the others. Taking the bronze medal is Ford's new Mondeo Econetic, which, like the Focus, has been tweaked to slip through the air easier and hence returns 53.3mpg on the combined cycle, with 139g/km CO2.

Thanks to using an efficient 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel, Renault's Laguna betters the Mondeo's figures with 130g/km and 57.6mpg. However, it came as a surprise to discover that a BMW, supposedly the keen driver's choice, is the most efficient car in this class. The 318d - which uses a 2.0-litre engine - almost ducks under Ken's barrier with 123g/km of CO2 and a highly impressive 60.1mpg on the combined cycle. This result is partially thanks to BMW's innovative EfficientDynamics updates, including Stop-Start. Of course, it costs more than some rivals, but we'd argue it should be worth it.

Tuesday April 22