Six of the best: Budget-busting cars

There are some Budget busting ways to drive exciting two-seaters

Citroen C1 diesel

The Citroen C1’s 1.4-litre diesel engine returns a whopping 68.9mpg average fuel consumption and emits just 109g/km of CO2.

This places it in road tax band B, with an annual charge of £35, dropping to £20 in April 2009.

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion

The funky Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is one of the most economical cars on sale in the UK, recording an average of 74.3mpg and 88.3mph during a steady motorway cruise.

The basic Polo BlueMotion 1, which does away with air conditioning, is the first diesel on sale to fall into the free-of-charge tax band A, thanks to emissions of less than 100g/km. The Polo BlueMotion 2 has more luxuries which bump its emissions up to 109g/km and into the £35 per year tax band B and £20 from April 2009.

View more pictures of Budget-busting cars

Peugeot 308 HDi

The Peugeot 308 HDi with its 90bhp engine is large enough for most families, but it doesn’t have super-size fuel consumption, averaging 62mpg.

It has CO2 emissions of 120g/km, placing it in road tax band B. To promote its economy credentials, Peugeot recently drove a 308 HDi around one whole lap of the M25 motorway using £9.95 of diesel.

Mazda MX-5

The Budget has targeted owners of thirsty sports cars and SUVs, but there are some Budget busting ways to drive exciting two-seaters.

The Mazda MX-5 is a proper sports car, with great handling and a folding soft top – and its 1.8-litre 124bhp engine is capable of 38mpg and only produces 174g/km placing it in tax band E with a £170 charge in 2008-9.

Renault Scenic