Renault Clio Eco• From £12,450 with optional Eco pack
• Cheaper than equivalent VW Polo and Ford Fiesta
• Combined 78.4mpg

The revised Renault Clio Expression Eco is now the cheapest sub-100g/km CO2 emissions supermini. Because of its more environmentally-friendly credentials, the model is now exempt from road tax as well as the London congestion charge.

In order to dip below the 100g/km threshold, customers must opt for the £250 Eco pack, which includes revised engine settings, different gearing, ultra-low resistance tyres, aerodynamic wheel trims and a rear spoiler. All these changes drop the CO2 emissions by 12g/km over the standard. Fuel economy is rated at 78.4mpg, giving it a potential range of 949miles between fill-ups.

Despite the improvements, the latest Clio Expression Eco is £240 less than the model it replaces, with prices starting at £12,450. By comparison the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion costs £14,860 and the Ford Fiesta Econetic £13,895. However, while the Clio is cheaper, features such as air conditioning are optional extras.

Other minor changes have been made to the rest of the Clio range, including different interior colour and trim.

By Owen Ready