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Hi David,

OK, if you're determined to go diesel and you need a reliable 60mpg plus then the only safe option is to get yourself a Golf BlueMotion. Your Polo plus your budget should get you easily into one, but you have to remember that getting good fuel economy is actually all about your driving style. We recently managed to get better than 60mpg out of a 1.2 TSI petrol Skoda Rapid, and that was with four big blokes on board...

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Hi Blaithin,

In my personal experience the most efficient car I've ever driven was the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion - it easily averages better than 60mpg in everyday driving and I'm not the most economical of drivers. €20k should get you a nicely specced 2010 or 2011 model.

How does that sound?

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Hi Bernard,

Oddly, they're identical. According to the official figures both the 2001 1.8 turbo 150hp Golf GTI and the 2006 Octavia RS 1.8 turbo 180hp return 35.3mpg on the combined cycle.

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Hi Brendan,

Good choices, all of those, if you're looking for a more affordable 3 Series alternative. The new-shape Mazda3 (the one that's only just been launched) seem to be especially excellent, and with Mazda's reliability you won't be spending too much on repairs or maintenance down the line. The Golf is always a safe bet too, although if you're used to the saloon shape it may be worth having a look at the little-seen Jetta - an underrated gem, that car. Or, alternatively, you could try the Audi A3 Saloon, which I reckon is the best compact sports saloon around at the moment.

See how you get on and let us know which one you go for.

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Hi Simon,

We asked Volkswagen Ireland directly. No Golf Rs sold in 2012 or 2013. Interesting change of fortunes for the GTI vs. the GTD though. In 2012, 51 GTDs and 13 GTIs, but in 2013 there were only 15 GTDs and a considerable 38 GTIs.

Hope that's of interest

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Hi John,

Yup, a small diesel sounds like it should be ideal for you. Depending on what kind or size of car you need I'd recommend either a MINI Cooper D 1.6 (small and sporty), Opel Astra 1.3 CDTi (slower, but more spacious), Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D (similar to Opel but probably more reliable) or that old favourite the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion (ultra economical). Or, if you need more space how about a Skoda Octavia Combi estate 1.6 TDI or a Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi?

Help us with your needs and we'll narrow that down a little!

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Hi Patrick,

We haven’t been able to find any evidence of a Volkswagen-instigated sensor replacement programme, but it seems that there are two possible issues here. First, some of the problems may just be brake and tyre dust covering the sensor and a proper clean might do the trick. Secondly, it could be that the wheel-hub is failing, and that is what is triggering the sensor issue so we’d advise getting the car inspected properly to see if that’s the case.

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Hi Phil,

"Most economical" is something of a loaded question as it's really much more dependant on your style of driving and the routes you use as much as anything else. 

What I can tell you though is the car in that class I've been able, consistently, to get the best economy from. It's a Golf. To be precise, it's the Mk VI Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion. Test driving it on a warm, sunny day with the air conditioning going and not paying a huge amount of attention to being economical, I managed an average of 65mpg. I haven't yet driven the latest Mk VII Golf BlueMotion but would suspect you could do even better again, possibly as good as 70mpg.

Come back to us if you need more assistance choosing.

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Hi Donagh,

All of the cars you've listed there will be both a lot more reliable and much more economical than your 407, but potentially your best bet is to stay within the Peugeot dealer network where you'll most likely get the best deal on your trade-in. The new 308 is looking pretty impressive, comes with a five-year warranty and Peugeot's build quality has come on a long way since the 407...

Let us know which way you go

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Hi Brendan,

I would avoid the 1.4 CL as the engine is a touch underpowered and therefore both slow and thirsty. Go for the 1.2 HL. It's a turbo and a brilliant little engine, and should average about 45mpg if you're careful. A much better choice for low mileage drivers than a more expensive diesel, but your resale will suffer somewhat.