Compare the most economical diesel cars
High-quality economical diesel cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated May 29, 2024 by
Darren Cassey
Most economical diesel cars of 2024
Diesel car sales are on the decline, but as of 2023, they still accounted for 35% of all passenger cars on UK roads. Clearly, their combination of strong torque delivery and great fuel economy still appeals to many motorists.
For those that regularly travel long distances, an established refueling network and impressive range between refills make a diesel the default choice. There are still plenty of great diesel cars out there, but finding the right one can be difficult. To make your buying or leasing process that much easier, the Carwow experts examined each one to bring you a list of the most economical diesels you can currently buy, ordered by their fuel economy rather than Wowscore.
Battery range up to 47 miles
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Skoda has long been known for offering a lot of car for the money, and the Octavia is perhaps the best example of this. It is larger than pricier alternatives like the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 1 Series, but still offers solid build quality, and some of the most efficient engines around. It’s not particularly luxurious or fun to drive, but few cars are as economical. The 114hp 2.0-litre diesel in the Octavia Hatch delivers an incredible 67.3mpg, making it the most efficient diesel car currently on sale.
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The Volkswagen Golf has long been a top choice for anyone looking for a family friendly hatchback. The latest generation remains a great option, offering plenty of space, tech, and comfort. The latest models have seen issues with the fiddly infotainment system addressed, ensuring that the Golf remains the class benchmark. For maximum efficiency, you can choose from a 114hp or 148hp 2.0-litre diesel, offering 63.5mpg and 60.5mpg respectively.
Battery range up to 30 miles
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The elegant Mercedes C-Class saloon has long been the classy, grown-up choice compared to the sportier BMW 3 Series, and in its latest iteration, it remains a comfortable and high-tech ride. There’s a range of impressive four-cylinder engines on offer, and the C220d and C300d hit the sweet spot when it comes to purchase price, economy, and performance. The 200hp C220d and 265hp C300d deliver superb efficiency figures, and both get an additional 20 hp boost from an integrated electric motor.
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The BMW 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 producing 114hp (badged 116d) or 187hp (120d). The 116d offers up to 61.4mpg in combined driving, while the more powerful engine still does a respectable 57.6mpg. The 1 Series is good fun to drive when the road gets a bit twisty, but as with most German cars, choosing too many options can quickly hike the price up.
Battery range up to 35 miles
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The Peugeot 308 is another fine example of how far Peugeot’s styling has come, looking super-sharp and desirable. 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 59.6mpg across both the hatchback and estate SW models. Neither is particularly quick, but the strong torque delivery and refined motorway cruising ability make the 308 a great long-distance option.
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Volkswagen's small SUV offers some big efficiency figures, with the 58.9mpg from the 114hp 2.0-litre diesel making it the most efficient small diesel SUV. But as well as being efficient, 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 on urban streets. The diesel is responsive, too, although it is a touch uncomfortable on poor road surfaces.
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The Audi A4 is available with a 161hp 2.0-litre diesel engine that delivers strong acceleration and impressive fuel economy figures. In fact, this same engine is also offered in the A4 Avant (estate) and A5 Coupe, so you can pick whatever body style suits your needs without having to compromise on fuel efficiency. There’s also a more powerful 201hp diesel engine that still manages 53mpg in combined driving.
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The saloon version of Audi's A3 is a touch more aerodynamic than its Sportback five-door sibling, and that gives it just over a mile per gallon more on the official test. The A3 still looks great despite not being the newest small hatch on the block – a 2024 update has given it a subtle refresh – and it's comfortable with a nice level of interior quality. The 148hp 2.0-litre diesel engine will return an impressive 58.9 mpg in the saloon and a still rather handy 57.6 mpg in the A3 Sportback.
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While others are moving away from diesel with their executive saloons (BMW) or can't make them particularly efficient (Audi), Mercedes-Benz has managed to offer a 194hp 2.0-litre E220d saloon with an official fuel economy figure of 58.9mpg. To aid efficiency and performance, it gets a 23hp boost from an integrated electric motor. There’s also a powerful four-wheel drive model (also with electric assistance) that's a bit less efficient at 47mpg. The big Merc is comfortable and features loads of clever technology, particularly around safety systems.
Battery range up to 34 miles
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The current generation BMW 3 Series remains the class leader when it comes to handling and overall driving experience. A recent refresh has ensured that its tech and safety levels are as advanced as ever. Two diesel engines are still available: an efficient 190hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel that delivers up to 57.6mpg and the ballistic 340hp 3.0-litre turbodiesel in the M340d xDrive. The M340d all but matches the M340i in acceleration but does 46.3mpg compared to the petrol car’s 34.9mpg effort.
