Best “fast” 40mpg estate for 3-4k

[Ruan]

I've an '09 V50 D5 R-Design SE Sport Manual atm - love it tbh, it's not as good on fuel as everyone will tell you, it averages mid-low 40s, on a run it's significantly better nudging 50mpg and is a superbly flexible engine, sounds nice being a 5 banger too and it's got enough pace to go with, it's not fast - but has enough pace if you need it without driving like your hair is on fire.