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Hi I'm looking to downsize from my Ford Focus (which I adore but as a 2 litre is a bit of a gas guzzler), what would you recommend? I've had Fords for years now and have loved them. I have two growing children, one a teenager, to transport around, so nothing too tiny, but fuel eficiency is important. I'm attracted to the Ford Fiesta (obviously) but my head has also been turned by the Mazda2 and the Swift.

All three cars you mention are excellent choices however, I’m not sure the overall savings will be as great as you may be expecting.

Updating is going to cost you something, money which could be spent on the extra fuel to run the Focus (possibly for a year or two).

Growing children (and their mates) in a small car do not always mix all that well together either at times, while the power to weight ratio of the Focus over the smaller vehicles may close the fuel consumption gap as well.

The Swift is by far the most popular of the three vehicles you mention, but it is not an overly large car when it comes to interior space for both occupants and their luggage. The Fiesta has the looks for me while the Mazda2 was the world car of the year a couple of years ago.

Short cold runs in any vehicle is not a great receipt for good fuel consumption which is another reason to look at the manufactures claimed fuel economy figures as a guide only.

I suspect on-board safety equipment would be enhanced greatly in comparison to the Focus regardless of which model you choose which in itself is a good reason to upgrade.

The bottom line is; try-before-you-buy in terms of space and performance, to make sure the downsize is going to suit your needs. If it does, take your pick of vehicles.

Good reply from jbiddle. We brought a Honda Fit 2 years ago mainly because of fuel costs. It is too small now!! Kids got older and bigger and the engine size is not great for open road travelling... Live and learn.

Three kids to tote around? Guess it depends on whether you have a second, larger vehicle to go on trips or cart lots of stuff from time to time. We'd looked at the Fiesta too - thought it would be good for around town (certainly has sharp looks) but wouldn't work for weekends away with two kids and gear. There mightn't be a huge saving in fuel either as the two litre engine isn't going to working hard compared to a smaller motor transporting five people.