The Honda 1.6iDTEC holds the distinction of being the most genuinely economical 1.6 diesel. The basic Lexus IS300h is a powerful hybrid for reasonable money and rides on 16-inch wheels with comfortable 55 profile tyres. You can get a Mercedes C200CDI with Renault's excellent 1.6dCI engine, but the 220 still has Mercedes 2.1 diesel and is faster and quieter.

The Audis and the Volkswagen bring status and high quality trim, but the diesel engines aren't brilliant and the DSG/s-tronic automatics are best avoided. I'd add the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 to your list, and don't discount another Civic with the 1.8iVTEC engine. MPG is about 3mpg up compared to the previous model and I got 48.