Best econo-barge? 1-5 large

[freecar]

I'm a huge fan of the best barges thread for 1-5 large, loads of spec for very little money, however the sort of car I need now doesn't fit into that thread.

I'm after the most pimpest, luxury car one can get with the best fuel economy!

I've currently got a mitsubishi galant sport, it only does 27mpg over a tank and I work part time in a museum so don't have loads of cash to drop into the tank every week.

I was thinking of a diesel Mercedes estate (gives space to lug loads) with leather, climate and anything else I can get, together with decent fuel economy.

So I throw the floor to the faithful of PH to suggest economical cars, perhaps even a thread similar to the barge thread where you post links to the goodness!

So, what econo-bargains can you come up with?