Economical used petrol with the driveability of a diesel

[Farmer Geddon]

I'm out of touch with small engined petrol cars, as I've never had one. Hopefully some input on here could save some time wasted on viewings and test drives!

My lad is currently saving for a house, so he sold his thirsty Audi and bought a Smart Fortwo to save some money. He's decided it's not for him very quickly.

He has around the value of the smart to spend on an alternative (around 3k, or less) but prefers petrol over diesel, so my suggestion of a Polo Bluemotion was out. I also suggested something reliable for shed budget like a petrol avensis or mondeo, and spend the purchase money saved on fuel, but he is keen to get something a little newer.

Can anyone recommend a petrol that's very economical, not too slow/that you don't have to thrash everywhere to make progress and has better driveability day to day than the usual suspects? The Bluemotion Polo my wife had a few years ago was averaging 68mpg, now I Doubt it can be matched for the overall package and intended purpose, but I'd like to hear of a petrol that does a decent job and doesn't feel a chore to drive outside of a city.

Cheers