With fuel prices staying surprisingly low, the diesel versus petrol debate continues to rumble on.
With fuel prices staying surprisingly low, the diesel versus petrol debate continues to rumble on. In the past, buyers looking to save on their motoring bills would go for a diesel-powered model, but the latest generation of frugal unleaded cars is just as easy on your wallet.
One of the most recent petrol arrivals is the Volkswagen PoloBlueMotion. The first two generations of this car were diesel only, but this new model has switched allegiances. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that combines with weight-saving and aerodynamic tweaks to deliver CO2 emissions of just 94g/km and claimed 68.9mpg economy. Yet this efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of quality and everyday usability, because in every other regard, the BlueMotion is just as comfortable, refined and well equipped as the standard car.
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However, if you want a supermini with headline-grabbing efficiency figures, the Peugeot 208takes some beating. Fitted with the brand’s entry-level 1.6-litre HDi diesel, the recently facelifted model combines 90g/km CO2 emissions with claimed 80.7mpg economy. The neat style, bold interior and personalisation options only add to the 208’s appeal.
So which of our fuel-sipping superminis makes more sense? Read on to find out.
Head-to-head
Engines
Our contenders take different approaches under the bonnet. The Polo’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol uses direct injection and turbocharging to deliver 94bhp and emissions of just 94g/km.
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Peugeothas actually made its entry-level diesel bigger, as this detuned version of its familiar 1.6-litre HDi engine replaces the old 1.4-litre unit.
Design
Peugeot proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style to save fuel. Not only is there a greater choice of brighter colours than on the Volkswagen, you can also add a number of personalisation packs that bring bright trim inserts to the interior and exterior.
Options
The Polo can’t be customised in the same way as the 208, but it can be fitted with more big-car features. Adaptive cruise control (£395), xenon headlamps (£795) and heated seats (£360) can all be added. These items aren’t even available on the Peugeot.
Verdict
First place: Volkswagen Polo
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The switch from diesel to petrol power has given the PoloBlueMotion a new lease of life. Smooth, responsive and frugal, the three-cylinder unit delivers money-saving efficiency with no compromises on the drive. Like all Polo models, the newcomer is also well built and boasts a cabin that’s a cut above when it comes to quality. The only cause for concern is the below-par residuals.
Second place: Peugeot 208
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Recent changes have helped keep the stylishin contention, while this entry-level diesel engine delivers enough performance and strong economy. However, the Peugeotisn’t as refined as the petrol Polo, plus it doesn’t feel as grown-up to drive. And while it looks good, the 208 can’t match the VW’s interior for premium appeal. And crucially, it costs more to run.
Other options for similar money...
New: Ford Fiesta1.5 TDCi Style ECOnetic
Price: £15,795
Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 94bhp
At this price point, you’re limited to a FiestaStyle, which misses out on alloys and a DAB radio. But sparkling handling and 82g/km CO2 emissions are a bonus. Haggling could get you a Zetec for the same price.
Used: Volkswagen Golf1.6 TDI BlueMotion
Price: £15,490
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 108bhp
Alternatively, you could stretch to a used VW Golf BlueMotiondiesel, which claims 83.1mpg economy. It also offers superb refinement and a more spacious cabin. We found a 4,000-mile 2015 model for £15,490.
Figures VW Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion Peugeot 208 1.6 BlueHDi 75 On-the-road price/total as tested £15,605/£16,850 £15,395/£15,395 Residual value (after 3yrs/30,000) £6,008/38.5% £6,620/43.0% Depreciation £9,597 £8,775 Annual tax liability std/higher rate £404/£809 £491/£982 Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) £1,145/£1,908 £978/£1,629 Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost 16/£480/A/£0 15/£363/A/£0 Servicing costs £288 (2yrs/20k) £12.99 p/m (3yrs/35k) Length/wheelbase 3,972/2,470mm 3,973/2,538mm Height/width 1,453/1,682mm 1,460/1,739mm Engine 3cyl in-line/999cc 4cyl in-line/1,560cc Peak power 94/5,000 bhp/rpm 74/3,500 bhp/rpm Peak torque 160/1,500 Nm/rpm 230/1,750 Nm/rpm Transmission 5-spd man/fwd 5-spd man/fwd Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel 45 litres/foam 45 litres/foam Boot capacity (seats up/down) 280/952 litres 285/1,076 litres Kerbweight/payload/towing weight 1,111/505/500kg 1,080/570/840kg Turning circle/drag coefficient 10.6 metres/N/A 10.4 metres/N/A Basic warranty (miles)/recovery 3yrs (60,000)/1yr 3yrs (60,000)/1yr Service intervals/UK dealers Variable (1yr)/223 12,500 miles (1yr)/300 Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos. 22nd/30th 10th/5th NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars 90/86/41/71/5 (2009) 88/78/61/83/5 (2012) 0-60/30-70mph 9.6/10.1 secs 12.6/13.8 secs 30-50mph in 3rd/4th 4.9/7.1 secs 5.3/9.1 secs 50-70mph in 5th 11.4 secs 12.7 secs Top speed/rpm at 70mph 119mph/2,500rpm 106mph/1,900rpm Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 49.7/34.6/8.3m 43.6/35.7/8.4m Noise levels outside/idle/30/70mph 59/43/63/69dB 68/45/63/69dB Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range 49.2/10.8/487 miles 57.9/12.7/573 miles Govt urban/extra-urban/combined 56.5/78.5/68.9mpg 67.3/94.2/80.7mpg Govt urban/extra-urban/combined 12.4/17.3/15.2mpl 14.8/20.7/17.8mpl Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket 133/94g/km/13% 131/90g/km/16% Airbags/Isofix/parking sensors/cam Four/yes/£295/£240 Six/yes/£270/£470 Air-conditioning/leather/heated seats Yes/no/£360 Yes/no/no Auto gearbox/stability/cruise control No/yes/yes No/yes/yes Metallic paint/xenon lights/AEB* £545/£795/£395 £495/no/£430 Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth £700/yes/yes/yes £450/yes/yes/yes