Shopping for a new car is no easy task.  Most people have a laundry list of requirements, but without the budget to back it up.  Champagne taste on a beer budget?  This author is in the same boat.  Sometimes, however, there is a car that checks all the boxes on that laundry list and better yet, it's affordable; however, you cannot purchase the car.  That seems to be the problem in the case of these four French vehicles that are practical, affordable, fun, and eco-friendly. 
 
Renault Twingo
 
Base Cost:  $12,138 USD
Base Powertrain:  1.2L Petrol - 5-Speed Manual
Vehicle Class:  B
Seats:  4
Bodystyle:  Hatchback
U.S. MPG City:  33
U.S. MPG Hwy:  51
 
This car is an award winner in Europe; especially in it's top-spect RenaultSport Twingo gear.  According to numerous reputable auto reviewers in Europe, the suspension is compliant and sporty; the engine strong through the rev-range; and value for money is nearly unbeatable.
 
Renault Grand Scenic
 
Base Cost:  $26,940 USD
Base Powertrain:  1.6L Petrol - 6-Speed Manual
Vehicle Class:  C-D
Seats:  7
Bodystyle:  Mini-MPV
U.S. MPG City:  23
U.S. MPG Hwy:  38
 
With a flexible interior that is able to handle a multitude of tasks for an active and growing family with stylish proportions that make it fantastic to look at after parking in that tight space, Renault's Grand Scenic is perfect for the young family that does not want to sacrifice style in the name of efficiency and function.
 
Citroen C3 Picasso
 
Base Cost:  $21,900 USD
Base Powertrain:  1.6L Diesel - 6-Speed Manual (the best combination)
Vehicle Class:  C
Seats:  5
Bodystyle:  Mini-MPV
U.S. MPG City:  41
U.S. MPG Hwy:  59
 
Citroen's C3 Picasso is one of the company's newest and most popular family vehicles.  Like the previous vehicles mentioned, it's stylish and affordable, with low running costs.  The British auto publications Car and Top Gear Magazine both have C3 Picassos as long-term test vehicles.  As far as this author has read, both publications have absolutely praised the vehicle and Top Gear Magazine claimed it the award winner for it's vehicle class.
 
Citroen C6
 
Base Cost:  $60,000 USD
Base Powertrain:  3.0L Diesel - 6-Speed Automatic
Vehicle Class:  E
Seats:  5
Bodystyle:  Full-size Sedan
U.S. MPG City:  23
U.S. MPG Hwy:  41
 
The Citroen C6 is another quirky French alternative to the likes of the Cadillac STS, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes E-Class.  The C6's smooth powertrain and even smoother suspension afford the best ride (especially for passengers) out of any full-size executive vehicle on the road today.  Couple that smoothness with the efficiency of that 3.0L Diesel V6 and it bests the value of GM's Northstar V8 or even Mercedes' BlueTec Diesel V6.
 
Though one cannot go out and purchase any of these vehicles off of a dealer lot today, there is a way that the vehicles could come stateside.  Renault is the partner company of Renault-Nissan.  Citroen has corporate building partnerships with both Mitsubishi and Toyota.  In an effort of efficiency in fleet consumption and global market share, it might be in the best interest of these companies to play around a bit in their corporate parts bins and do some badge engineering.  This author believes this idea of global unity in the automotive business will help bring progress to more sustainable motoring without sacrificing the love of driving.