Top 10 Economical Hatchbacks

The Nissan Micra produces one of the lowest CO2 emissions for a petrol engine (95g) and consumes just 4.1L of fuel per 100km. The Visia DIG-S trim, for example, is the most efficient as it averages 68.9mpg, returns 78mpg on the extra-urban cycle and manages 55.4mpg through town. It can also be taxed for free as its carbon emissions are below 100g/km. New Nissan Micra prices range from £7,995 - £15,115.

The Hyundai i20 1.1 CRDi 75hp S Blue is a highly efficient, supermini class, vehicle. Its diesel engine – that is teamed with 6-speed manual transmission – averages 88.3mpg rising to 94.2mpg on the extra-urban cycle. In town it hits 80.7mpg. Carbon emissions total 84g/km. Efficiency is enhanced via special tyres and a start/stop system that automatically switches off the engine when stationary at (say) a red traffic light. Standard equipment includes daytime running lights and cargo capacity is 326-litres. This 5-door hatchback is also backed by a 5 year, unlimited mileage, manufacturer warranty. Prices start at £12,745 on the road.

The Ford Fiesta Style ECOnetic 1.5TDCi S/S blends sharp handling with environmental efficiency. This supermini class vehicle averages 88.3mpg and emissions tip the scales at 82g/km. Furthermore, this 3-door hatchback – that has a 290-litre boot – is more efficient still on the extra-urban cycle where its 95hp diesel engine returns 94.2mpg. In town it manages 83.1mpg. Standard equipment includes: 5-speed manual transmission, air-conditioning, powered mirrors and electric windows. Pleasing styling further enhances its reputation. New prices start from £15,095 on the road.

The Vauxhall Corsa SRi 1.3CDTi 95hp S/S ecoFLEX is a supermini that averages 88.3mpg. Efficiency only falls to 76.3mpg in town and rises to 94.2mpg on the extra-urban cycle. Standard equipment includes: a stability programme that makes cornering safer, electric windows, cruise control and air-conditioning. It also has an automatic engine start/stop system that cuts power to save fuel while stationary. The exterior boasts gloss paintwork and alloy wheels. Furthermore, this 3-door hatchback – that sends power to the front wheels via 5-speed manual transmission - has a 280-litre boot and emissions are 85g/km. Prices start at £14,525 on the road.

The Peugeot 308 GT Line 1.6L BlueHDi 120 S&S is a small family class vehicle. Its purpose is to be fairly compact and easy to manoeuvre – much like a supermini - yet have more space and equipment than typically associated with the smaller class. Cargo capacity is 470-litres, for example, and it benefits from: parking sensors, a reversing camera and climate control. This 5-door hatchback also has a 120hp, diesel, engine that averages 88.3mpg and sends power through 6-speed manual transmission. In town it hits 78.5mpg rising to 94.2mpg on the extra-urban cycle. Carbon emissions total 98g/km and prices start from £22,595 (on the road).

The Volkswagen e-Golf is a fully electric small family class hatchback. The manufacturer says its range is up to 118 miles and it emits no carbon at the point of use. This 5-door hatchback – which produces 115hp and has a single speed gearbox - can be charged in 13 hours via a standard, home-based, plug. A wall box cuts the time to 8 hours and a public station completes an 80% charge in 30 minutes. Standard equipment includes: dual-zone climate control, multi-function computer and heated windscreen. It also has modern styling and feels more robust than some of its rivals. The VW eGolf costs from £30,264.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is powered by a 1.4-litre, 138hp, petrol engine and electric motor. The combination ensures this small family size model averages 176mpg. Emissions total 37g/km which is below the 100g/km necessary for free road tax. Furthermore, the electric motor can power it single-handed for a short distance. Its battery can then be recharged via a standard socket in about 4 hours, or via a faster wall box or public station. Standard equipment includes: automatic transmission, 7” colour screen, Bluetooth and voice control. Furthermore, a body kit ensures it stands out from its petrol powered siblings. Cargo capacity is 280-litres and prices start from £35,340 (on the road).

The BMW i3 Range Extender is an electric, small family size, hatchback with a prestigious badge. Range is up to 100 miles without the extender and – as with most electric cars – it can be charged via a standard plug socket or a faster wall box/public port. The extender is a small petrol engine that charges the battery on the move. It does not drive the wheels. This 5-door hatchback – which has a 260-litre boot – also hits 62mph in 7.9 seconds which is fairly fast. This performance complements confident handling. Standard equipment includes parking sensors and cruise control. The Range Extender costs from £34,130 on the road.

The Nissan LEAF Tekna is a fully electric, small family class, vehicle. Range is up to 155 miles and this 109hp, 5-door, hatchback has a 355-litre cargo capacity. Standard equipment includes an around view monitor that provides a 360 degree, bird's eye, view of the surrounds to make parking easier. Images come courtesy of a camera on each side of the vehicle. This trim also has: heated leather seats and automatic lights. Modern styling ensures it stands out from the crowd. Prices start from £34,130 (on the road).

In at number one, the 208 from Peugeot, specifically the model featuring the 1.6 HDi. This car is actually the least polluting non-hybrid car on the market, as claimed by Peugeot. This little hatch has a claimed urban mpg of 78.5 around town, 94.2 on average and a whole 104.6 mpg on the extra urban cycle. Is this actually achievable? Yes, in fact the 208 achieved a 141.2mpg average on a 1,337 mile economy-test in France, which was regulated by the French Type Approval Authority. There are no typos there, 141.2mpg’s is a figure which speaks for itself and certainly deserves the top spot in this list.