Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 BlueHDi - most economical cars

Choosing a different body style within a range can have an adverse effect on economy. But if you choose the vast Peugeot 308 SW estate, you're still getting the most fuel-efficient estate car on sale. A return of 88.3mpg is impressive when you consider that the other cars it matches here are smaller superminis, and that's only around 3mpg poorer than the 308 hatch with the same engine.

That 1.6 BlueHDi diesel is a gutsy performer, so the SW should be able to haul a decent load without too much trouble. And with 660 litres of space on offer in five-seat mode, the 308 SW is one of the most spacious compact estates you can buy. There's no under-floor storage, but the back seats do fold flat to create a maximum capacity of 1,775 litres.

Elsewhere, the 308 SW is just as well built as the hatch, with an air of quality about the cabin and a minimal dashboard design that adds to the classy interior ambiance. In fact, the only difference you'll feel when comparing the SW to the hatch is the longer distance to the rear window as you're looking through the rear-view mirror.

The UK's most economical cars 

• 1. Peugeot 208 1.6 BlueHDi 75 - 94.2mpg
• 2. Peugeot 308 1.6 Blue HDi 120 - 91.1mpg
• =3. Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi 85PS - 88.3mpg
• =3. Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi 90 - 88.3mpg
• =3. Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 BlueHDi 120 - 88.3mpg
• =3. Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 90 ECO - 88.3mpg
• 7. Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 110PS ecoFLEX - 85.6mpg
• =8. Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDi 100hp ETG - 83.1mpg
• =8. Ford Focus 1.5 TDCi - 83.1mpg
• =8. MINI One D hatch - 83.1mpg