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  1. Five cars with Prius-like economy
  2. MINI Cooper D, A diesel adventure
  3. BMW 116d, Efficient and dynamic
  4. Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI, A very green blue oval
  5. Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi, Familial frugality
  6. Audi A2 1.4 TDI, Heavenly harbinger

Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi, Familial frugality

The newest car on our list isn't even quite on sale yet, but if you're after family transport in a funky shell with minimal costs, place your order now. We'll be delivering our official verdict on Citroen's boxy sprog carrier shortly, but until then we will tell you that it's a very cost effective and space efficient MPV. It doesn't look too bad either, does it? The 90bhp1.6-litre HDi diesel version can't be faulted for its combination of people-carrying low rev flexibility and, of course, fuel economy: 60.1mpg isn't to be sniffed at (though it only just qualifies it for this list), and though its 125g/km CO2 figure isn't the most parsimonious (slotting the newest Picasso into £120 VED band C), it's still not at all bad for a versatile people carrier.

On sale from 9th April, a C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi in sporting VTR+ spec will cost from £13,695.

Mark Nichol