More Drivers Are Seeking Out Economical Cars, Says Swinton

http://www.swinton.co.uk/ -- Buying a fuel-efficient new car is more important than ever before, with record fuel prices pushing up costs for motorists according to Swinton Insurance.

The UK's leading high street retailer of car insurance (http://www.swinton.co.uk/) surveyed 2,200 online customers and found that for 57% of drivers, the fuel cost of driving a car is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle.

Steve Chelton, Insurance Development manager at Swinton said 'It's not surprising that there is an increase of people who are seeking out fuel-efficient cars. The added benefit of good fuel economy is low CO2 emissions and as car taxation is based on CO2, reducing emissions also brings many benefits, including free road tax.'

Swinton motor insurance (http://www.swinton.co.uk/) is they are offering drivers the following guide to the most economical new cars on the market today: -- Smart Fortwo cdi - 86g/km This is one of the most economical new cars on sale in Britain today and it averages 85.6mpg. -- Skoda Fabia Greenline - 89g/km Skoda's practical supermini averages 83.1mpg and emits 89g/km CO2. This makes it one of the most economical superminis on sale. -- Toyota Prius T3 - 89g/km The Toyota Prius has smaller, lower-drag wheels which makes it possible for it to average 72.4mpg and emit just 89g/km CO2. -- Peugeot 207 Oxygo - 98g/km 98g/km CO2 is combined with 74.3mpg which means extremely low running costs. -- Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95 Stop/Start - 94g/km The Vauxhall Corsa has been revamped this year with fresh looks and colours, and has more economical diesel engines. 94g/km CO2 emissions and average fuel economy of 80.7mpg. -- Lexus CT 200h - 94g/km This is the UK's first premium hatch hybrid, and has an average fuel economy of 69mpg.It emits just 94g/km. -- Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir - 95g/km The two-cylinder turbocharged Twin Air petrol engine is advanced technology which is both powerful and fuel efficient. It returns 68.9mpg: CO2 emissions are just 95g/km. -- Fiat Punto Evo 1.3 MultiJet 85 Eco - 95g/km The latest version can average over 78mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient Punto to date. CO2 emissions are just 95g/km. -- Audi A3 1.6 TDI - 99g/km The Audi A3 is capable of 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of under 100g/km. -- MINI Cooper D 112 99g/km MINI diesels continue to get greener and averages 74.3mpg and emits just 99g/km.

Notes to editors:

About Swinton: -- With over 580 shops nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high street insurance retailer -- Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its shops open for business, and being part of the community -- Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, travel, motorbike and even classic car insurance -- Swinton has a dedicated team on hand at every shop to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates