Hi Veronica,

There are lots of good options out there. All of the mid-size Volkswagen Group models – Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia and Audi A3 – can be had with a very frugal 1.6-litre diesel fitted with an optional DSG automatic transmission. You can get a Ford Focus with its new 1.5 TDCi diesel with a ‘Powershift’ automatic, while the Peugeot 308 has the excellent combo of its new BlueHDI 1.6 120hp diesel fitted with a six-speed automatic.  The new (and really excellent) Opel Astra also has a 1.6 diesel auto version, while the Mazda3 comes with automatic versions of both its 1.5- and 2.2-litre diesels. Kia has just relaunched the updated cee’d hatchback and estate and that can now be had with a 1.6-litre diesel and a new seven-speed automatic as well. All the above are excellent choices so it’s really a case of going with whichever you personally prefer.