If you're very conscious of fuel efficiency, like your previous vehicle, I'd suggest a manual transmission diesel vehicle. And so that you will feel that the upgrade is worth it, I'd suggest something with a certain degree of performance to go with it.
Here are some options:
Kia Carens 2.0CRDi VGT 6MT
- this one is immensely popular in Europe and is often used as a rental car wherein it would be running hundreds or even thousands of kilometers at a time should say something about its reliability, safety, fuel efficiency and performance.
Toyota Innova 2.5D4D 5MT
- the generic family car choice. If you don't mind that it shouts family car from a mile away and that the ride is not exactly what you'd call very comfortable (somewhat a la Fortuner especially when empty, though at a lesser degree). But if you run rough roads a lot, this one is a good choice.
Ford Focus 2.0TDCi Powershift
- if you want thrifty fuel consumption along with excellent hot hatch handling and engine performance, then this is it. Of course maintenance would be a bit more expensive than its gasoline counterparts, but IMHO the good points of owning a diesel plus the performance should make up for it.
Cars like the Innova nd Carens are about as long as a typical compact sedan. So yung gusto mo is subcompact pala? If so, I'd suggest the Hyundai Accent for best bang for the buck.
I am not sure about the reliability as excellent Korean products came out just not so long ago, so the long term reliability is yet to be seen.
Remember that although going diesel would mean less payment on your gas station bills, this is compensated by more expensive parts during your periodic maintenance. So over the long run, the savings is negligible. However, the amount of torque you get at 2000-3000RPM is amazing, feels as if you're roaming the city with a V6 under the hood