Why buy a diesel car?
Despite the fact that a large percentage of the population opts for gas-powered vehicles, not to mention the growing focus on electric and hybrid vehicles, diesel-powered vehicles still occupy a large portion of the market.
There’s a good reason for that; They offer virtually unmatched fuel economy while having extremely low emissions. Although the legislation is against diesel, this only applies to older diesel that does not meet modern emission standards.
What are the most economical diesel cars? Diesel vehicles generally offer excellent fuel economy, even those with large engines. So, which models actually offer the best fuel economy? Here’s what we found.
Kia Ceed 1.6 CRDi (Official fuel economy – 72.4mpg)
Recommendations for the most economical diesel car purchases: In recent years, these Koreans have undoubtedly taken their place in the European car market. This is partly due to the reasonable cost of their vehicles, which also happen to have a nice look and a very good driving experience.
The available 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine isn’t anything revolutionary, but being able to return 72.4mpg in a combined cycle while producing a low 102g/km of CO2 doesn’t look like it’s needed. It looks great, drives well and is very fuel efficient, please count us in!
Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDi (Official fuel economy – 70.6mpg)
Once a world-renowned innovator, Citroen is working hard to reclaim that crown with their latest diesel engine. The 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine in this family SUV can return 70.6mpg in the combined cycle and 78.5mpg in the long run!
While some cars can achieve better mpg, it’s important to remember that the Citroen C4 Cactus is a mid-size SUV with a lot of space and a lot of equipment. It can even go from a standstill to 62 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is truly remarkable considering the impressive fuel economy.
Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTI (Official fuel economy – 78.5mpg)
The humble Corsa has been a common sight on British roads for some time now. And for good reason, they offer a good-looking package that isn’t expensive to run on a daily basis.
The 1.3-liter turbo diesel isn’t the worst engine in the world, but when it returns 78.5 mpg combined, we don’t care! In fact, on a long hike on the highway, you’ll see little Corsa reach a staggering 88mpg.
Renault Clio 1.5 dCi (Official fuel economy – 70.6mpg)
Just like the similarly priced Vauxhall Corsa, the Renault Clio has been a popular choice for years, thanks to its low running costs and attractive personality. Clio also benefits from Renault’s ability to build performance-oriented vehicles, as it’s so much fun to drive a car that prioritizes efficiency.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine produces a respectable 89bhp, but the 162lbs/ft of torque does help pull the Clio, making everyday driving a breeze. With a combined cycle of 70.6mpg, you can’t go wrong with this small hatchback.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class A180d (Official fuel economy – 80.7mpg)
What are the most economical diesel cars? Since its introduction a few years ago, the A-Class has been a popular car for Mercedes because it offers a high degree of sophistication and luxury at a reasonable expense. No matter what type of driving you’re in, whether it’s a city or a highway, the A-Class adapts to these environments and provides a great experience.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine delivers a reasonable 108bhp, and while not the most powerful compared to Mercedes’ larger models, returns an incredible 80.7mpg in the combined cycle. 88mpg is achievable in the long run, which is amazing!
Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC (Official fuel economy – 80.7mpg)
Recommendation for the most economical diesel car to buy: The Honda Civic is a perfect all-round car because it combines practicality with affordable running costs. On top of that, it’s an odd-looking car, and it happens to be a pretty good steering.
Honda is a master when it comes to engineering, especially when it comes to engines. The 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine is no exception, offering 80.7mpg of potential in the combined cycle. So efficient, you might think that the Honda isn’t too snappy. You’re wrong, because 0-62mph only takes just over 10 seconds, while gear acceleration is relatively urgent.
Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi (Official fuel economy – 78.5mpg)
The best-selling car in the UK and the winner of several awards, it happens to be one of the most economical cars you can buy. Ford didn’t know anything about building cars for the masses, which is why the Fiesta continues to impress with its excellent design and well-designed drivetrain.
Under the hood is Ford’s latest 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine, which returns a very healthy 78.5mpg in a combined cycle. The high level of sophistication and comfort makes the Fiesta perfect for use at home on the highway, where you will see 88.3mpg! Not bad for an affordable hatchback.
Dacia Sandero 1.5 dCi (Official fuel economy – 80.7mpg)
James May’s favorite car is capable of reaching an incredible 80.7 mpg in the combined cycle, so it rightfully takes its place on this list. The fact also happens to be one of the cheapest cars in the UK, making this little cookie the car deal of the century for those who want ultra-low running costs above all else.
The little Sandero may not be the most luxurious vehicle in the world, but it has mechanical sturdiness that is incredibly captivating and liberating in a time when people are more headstrong when people open their doors in supermarket parking lots.
Citroen/DS 3 1.6 BlueHDI (Official fuel economy – 78.5mpg)
Although the DS has now separated from the Citroën brand, the DS3 still shares the same architecture. This isn’t a bad thing, as it’s often celebrated for its refreshing driving engagements. It’s fun, but not too serious and harder to achieve than you think.
The 1.6-liter diesel engine is a magnificent little unit and manages to produce a respectable 78.5mpg in the combined cycle. The 3 clearly represents great value for money while having enough personality to make everyday driving better.
Alfa Romeo Mito 1.3 JTDM (Official fuel economy – 83.1mpg)
Recommendations for the most economical diesel car to buy: Everyone loves a little Italian flavor, and if you happen to bring that flavor to the car, then you won’t be disappointed to hear that the gorgeous Mito is capable of producing 83.1mpg in the combined cycle; This is also known as a staggering amount.
The Italian style can be seen throughout the Mito, and only some incredible body colors can complement it. The Mito also happens to be a very fun car to drive thanks to its “DNA” computer setup, which allows the driver to choose a driving mode that suits their mood.
Summary
What are the most economical diesel cars? You’ve probably seen a lot of bad news about diesel cars in recent months. But the statistics don’t lie; They still offer unmatched fuel efficiency and emit very low levels of CO2.
No matter which car you choose on this list, you’ll benefit from a long range and low running costs. The development of electric and hybrid vehicles may be well underway, but these clean diesel vehicles still make up a large portion of the market. And for good reason, too.
