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Compare the most economical diesel cars

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Rated 4.6/5 from 53,531 reviews

Most economical diesel cars of 2024

Although interest in diesel cars is on the decline and manufacturers are dropping the fuel from their offerings in increasing numbers, modern diesels can offer great fuel economy figures allied with impressive torque; the trick is knowing which ones to buy. Our experts here at Carwow have taken the guesswork out of your next purchase by researching the most economical diesels on sale today.

Volkswagen Golf

1. Volkswagen Golf (67mpg)

7/10
Volkswagen Golf review
The latest generation Golf is comfortable, laden with tech and has plenty of room for four and their luggage. You can pick from either a 113hp or 148hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, offering an impressive 67mpg or 63mpg respectively. Fiddly infotainment system aside, this is still the benchmark in its category and a really desirable five-door hatcback.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon

2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class (63mpg)

7/10
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon review
The classy Mercedes C-Class saloon offers both power and efficiency, with the 197hp diesel coming with an official figure of 63mpg. It's a comfortbale long-distance cruiser loaded with plenty of tech, and also has an even more efficient plug-in hybrid model if you can charge at home and don't mind the reduction in luggage space the battery brings.
BMW 3 Series

3. BMW 3 Series (61mpg)

9/10
BMW 3 Series review
Battery range up to 34 miles
The 3 Series offers a great driving experience, decent sace and a great infotainment system. The diesel options are smooth and efficient, with the base 150bhp model managing a combined 61.4mpg and still is punchy enough to not feel lacklustre. Even the range-topping 335bhp 330d does 46mpg to go alongside its monster performance. Options are expensive though. And if you wanty optimum efficiency, there is a plug-in hybrid model, handy for those that can charge at home.

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Audi A3 Saloon

4. Audi A3 Saloon (61mpg)

7/10
Audi A3 Saloon review
The saloon version of Audi's A3 is a touch more aerodynamic that its Sportback five-door sibling, and that gives it a single mile per gallon more on the official test. The A3 still looks great despite not being the newest small hatch on the block, something a 2024 facelift was designed to help, and it's comfortable and has a nice level of interior quality to it. The 148hp 2.0-litre diesel engine will return an impressive 61mpg in the saloon, and a still rather handy 60mph in the A3 Sportback.
Peugeot 308

5. Peugeot 308 (60mpg)

8/10
Peugeot 308 review
Battery range up to 35 miles
The 308 is another fine example of how far Peuegot's styling has come - looking super-sharp and desirable. And it's also one of the few mainstream hatchbacks to still come with a diesel engine. The 129hp 1.5-litre diesel has an official fuel economy figure of 60mpg across both the hatchback and estate SW models.
Volkswagen T-Roc

6. Volkswagen T-Roc (60mpg)

7/10
Volkswagen T-Roc review
Volkswagen's small SUV offers some big efficiency figures, with the 60mpg from the 113hp 2.0-litre diesel making it the most efficient small diesel SUV. But as well as being efficienct, the T-Roc is also smart-looking inside and out, packed with technology and has a decent boot for a car that's small enough to be a joy in urban streets.
BMW 1 Series

7. BMW 1 Series (60mpg)

7/10
BMW 1 Series review
The 1 Series offers a top-spec infotainment system and a spacious interior that rivals the best in class with its quality materials. You get a choice of two diesel engines of either 1153bhp (badged 116d) or 187hp (120d). The most frugal option offers up to 60mpg in combined driving. However, it’s not a cheap and the styling is divisive, although it is good fun to drive when the road gets a bit twisty.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2024
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Highly Commended

8. Mercedes-Benz E-Class (59mpg)

8/10
Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
While others aer moving away from diesel with their executive saloons (BMW), or can't make them particualrly efficient (Audi), Mercedes-Benz has managed to offer an 194hp 2.0-litre E220d saloon with an official fuel economy figure of 59mpg. As well as a four-wheel drive 362hp E450d model that's a bit less efficient at 47mpg. The big Merc is comfortable and features loads of clever technology, particularly around safety systems.
Audi A4

9. Audi A4 (59mpg)

7/10
Audi A4 review
Smooth and sophisticated, the A4 saloon has a lovely interior and a pair of smooth diesel engines ranging from 161hp to 201hp. You can expect up to an impressive 59mpg from the base model, while the higher-powered diesel's figure is a still-impressive 53mpg. It’s roomy inside, but the car is starting to show its advancing years, alternatives are more exciting to drive and options can get expensive.
Peugeot 508

10. Peugeot 508 (59mpg)

7/10
Peugeot 508 review
If you need a comfortable and spacious saloon allied with superb fuel economy, then the Peugeot 508 is a great choice. Especially when equipped with the 129hp turbodiesel engine which offers an official 59mpg combined figure. Build quality isn’t class leading but the interior looks cool and there are plenty of trim levels to pick from.

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Advice about economical diesel cars

Most economical diesel cars FAQs

While petrol cars have been slowly narrowing the fuel consumption gap with their diesel counterparts, a modern diesel car is still more fuel efficient. This is especially true on longer motorway drives. In-town driving sees much closer figures, but diesels still generally come out on top.

When it comes to reliability, diesel cars tend to have fewer issues than petrol cars, however repairs can cost more and they tend to require more frequent oil changes, so overall running costs are broadly similar.

For town-based driving a regular 'self-charging' hybrid car can be more economical than a diesel as it can make the most of its all-electric capabilities. And if you go for a plug-in hybrid and your commute is shorter than the electric range of your hybrid, you could get away with using no fuel at all as long as you recharge your battery each day.

On longer motorway journeys a hybrid loses some of its efficiency as it relies more heavily on its internal combustion engine. Here, a diesel will generally offer better fuel economy.

Diesels still offer good fuel economy on short, low-speed trips.

An additional consideration is that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) fitted to diesel engines can get clogged up if your driving consists predominantly of these short journeys. This can reduce performance and increase fuel consumption over time, so it's best to make sure your diesel car gets some longer runs to clear out its systems.

General tips for keeping your consumption figures low are to stick to the recommended service intervals, ensure that your tyres are not under-inflated, use the air conditioner sparingly and avoid harsh acceleration or labouring the engine in too high a gear if you have a manual. 

More specific to diesels, undertaking a longer trip every so often will help the diesel particulate filter (DPF) clean out any accumulated contaminants. This will allow for more efficient running and will lower fuel consumption and improve performance. And obviously don't carry around anything you don't need, such as roofbars, as they can have a hefty impact on efficiency.

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