The Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi (95bhp) Edge ECOnetic II has topped Warranty Direct’s top ten list of reliable ‘eco’ cars that won’t cost the earth.

Manufacturers are continually developing new technology which delivers better fuel consumption and lower emissions, but some more complex machines are still prone to going wrong, forcing owners to foot expensive repair bills, it says.

Warranty Direct analysed its 50,000 live policies, using the company’s reliability index to measure overall reliability by combining rate of failure, average mileage, age and repair cost.

Ranking cars based on fuel economy in this instance, Warranty Direct used its reliability index to name the top ten reliable makes and models of three years or more, as well as the optimal engine and trim combination for the best return at the pumps.

Top ten rated eco cars

(A higher Reliability Index rating means the vehicle is less reliable and more expensive to run)

The results revealed that the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, with a combined mpg figure of 85.6 had the best mix of fuel economy and reliability. The Smart Fortwo was able to match the Fiesta’s mpg figure and is unlikely to let its owners down, though it suffered marginally more mechanical faults than the Ford.

The Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia had closely matched scores, though the Skoda nudged ahead an mpg return of 83.1. However, the Seat is statistically more reliable.

Managing director at Warranty Direct David Gerrans said: “The ‘eco’ derivatives of a used vehicle are often desirable, promising economical motoring for the cost-conscious buyer.

“However, savings on fuel and road tax can soon be countered with astronomical bills for mechanical or electrical failure. It is important to take these factors into account when selecting a car based on green credentials.”

Image: Parkers