skip to main content
  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

Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI, A very green blue oval

If we're entirely honest, the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi isn't the most exciting hatchback you'll ever consider buying, but at the same time it's extremely difficult to fault. The entire range is marked by impressive quality, practicality and class-leading dynamic flair, but what's so notable about the 1.6-litre TDCI version is that it's exactly the same: there's no dynamic sacrifice to be made for the 62.7mpg and a VED band B-qualifying 119g/km of CO2.

There is, however, an even more frugal ECOnetic version of the Focus, but it's barely any more economical (65.7mpg) - and in our opinion the slightly warmer glow of being more obviously green just isn't worth the slightly higher purchase cost. We'll take this a normal TDCi in sporty Zetec trim, thanks very much: it's a hoot to drive, has plenty of overtaking urge, won't cost a fortune to fuel and avoids the agricultural clatter associated with many a frugal diesel.

Mark Nichol