Sylvie Willis
Diesel cars are known for their impressive fuel economy, and while they might not be as popular as they once were, they still make a lot of sense for those who travel long distances and want to keep their fuel costs down. The most fuel-efficient diesel car will depend on the type of car you're looking for, but there are plenty of options to choose from, including SUVs, hatchbacks, and executive saloons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most fuel-efficient diesel car | Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI |
| Fuel efficiency of Skoda Octavia | 57.9mpg in laboratory settings, 72.6mpg on rural roads, 67.3mpg in real-world settings |
| Second most fuel-efficient diesel car | Vauxhall Astra |
| Fuel efficiency of Vauxhall Astra | 56mpg in real-world settings, 73.7mpg on country roads |
| Third most fuel-efficient diesel car | Renault Kadjar |
| Fuel efficiency of Renault Kadjar | 55mpg |
| Other fuel-efficient diesel cars | Vauxhall Corsa, Skoda Superb Estate, Audi A4, SEAT Leon, Peugeot 308, Volkswagen T-Roc, BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz E220d |
| Fuel efficiency of Vauxhall Corsa | 70.6mpg in the UK, 58.8mpg in the US |
| Fuel efficiency of Audi A4 | 0-62mpg in 8.2 seconds |
| Fuel efficiency of Peugeot 308 | 59.6mpg |
| Fuel efficiency of Volkswagen T-Roc | 58.9mpg |
| Fuel efficiency of BMW 1 Series | 61.4mpg |
| Fuel efficiency of BMW 3 Series | 57.6mpg |
| Fuel efficiency of Mercedes-Benz E220d | 58.9mpg |
| Most fuel-efficient diesel car (including hybrid diesel) | Mercedes-Benz E300 de |
| Fuel efficiency of Mercedes-Benz E300 de | 201mpg |
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What You'll Learn
- The Skoda Octavia is the most fuel-efficient diesel car
- The Vauxhall Astra is the second most fuel-efficient diesel car
- The Renault Kadjar is a spacious, family-sized SUV with great fuel economy
- The Audi A4 is a comfortable, tech-filled car with impressive fuel economy
- The SEAT Leon is a top family hatchback pick with great fuel efficiency
The Skoda Octavia is the most fuel-efficient diesel car
The Škoda Octavia is the most fuel-efficient diesel car, offering impressive fuel economy and a range of features that make it a top choice for eco-conscious drivers. With a sleek and sophisticated design, the Octavia not only performs efficiently but also stands out on the road. Here are some key factors that contribute to its exceptional fuel economy:
Engine Efficiency:
The Škoda Octavia is typically equipped with modern and advanced diesel engines known for their fuel-saving technologies. These engines are designed to optimize fuel combustion, resulting in higher efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The engine's direct injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, enhancing overall efficiency.
Aerodynamic Design:
The Octavia boasts an aerodynamic exterior design that reduces air resistance while driving. This sleek design minimizes drag, enabling the car to slice through the air with ease. The reduced air resistance contributes to better fuel economy, especially on highways and during long-distance journeys.
Lightweight Construction:
Skoda has utilized lightweight materials in the construction of the Octavia, which helps reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. This lightweight construction translates into improved fuel efficiency as the engine exerts less effort to propel the car forward. The weight reduction also enhances handling and overall performance.
Advanced Fuel-Saving Technologies:
The Octavia incorporates innovative fuel-saving technologies to maximize efficiency. These may include start-stop systems that automatically shut down the engine when idling, regenerative braking systems that convert kinetic energy back into electrical energy, and advanced driver assistance systems that provide eco-driving tips and optimize fuel consumption.
Efficiency-Focused Features:
The Škoda Octavia often comes equipped with efficiency-focused features that complement its fuel-efficient nature. This includes efficient lighting systems, such as LED headlights, and aerodynamic alloy wheels designed to further reduce drag. Some models may also offer eco-driving modes that optimize engine performance and fuel consumption based on driving conditions.
The Škoda Octavia's impressive fuel economy makes it a standout choice in the diesel car market. With its combination of advanced engine technology, aerodynamic design, and efficiency-enhancing features, the Octavia delivers a powerful yet eco-conscious driving experience. For drivers seeking both performance and fuel efficiency, the Škoda Octavia is an excellent option, showcasing Škoda's commitment to innovation and sustainability on the road.
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The Vauxhall Astra is the second most fuel-efficient diesel car
Diesel cars are no longer in vogue, but they still have a small but loyal following. Many modern diesel cars are now more efficient than ever before, and they are readily available in dealerships. While the Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI is the most fuel-efficient diesel car, the Vauxhall Astra is the second most fuel-efficient diesel car. This model from the previous generation Vauxhall Astra range is the second most efficient diesel-engined car ever tested by What Car?, achieving more than 56 mpg in real-world conditions and an astonishing 73.7 mpg on country roads.
The Astra's 'bespoke' engines offer better fuel consumption, and its new family of engines is likely to be unique to the Astra range. The Astra's engines are efficiency-focused, with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel making up the bulk of the range. The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine is capable enough and doesn't feel overly strained, although it does become noisy under hard acceleration. The Astra's low drag coefficient of 0.269 helps it cut smoothly through the air, and Vauxhall has introduced weight-saving ideas, such as a thermoplastic boot lid, to boost performance and overall efficiency.
The Astra is a smart-looking family hatchback that delivers good practicality, strong infotainment, and a decent drive. It has efficient petrol engines that provide excellent fuel economy, and the plug-in hybrid and all-electric models add a breadth of ability that might persuade business users. The Vauxhall Astra has had an image problem over the years with bland styling, dull engines, and little flair to excite buyers. However, the eight-generation Astra has transformed its looks, and its fuel efficiency is a major selling point. The Astra is also comfortable, with a special noise-reducing windscreen that makes the car quiet on the motorway.
The Vauxhall Astra is a strong contender in the family hatchback class, and its 48V hybrid technology offers improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared to pure-petrol Astras. The Astra Electric is also an option for those who want a family hatchback.
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The Renault Kadjar is a spacious, family-sized SUV with great fuel economy
While diesel cars may not be as fashionable as they once were, they still make a lot of sense for those who drive long distances and want to keep their fuel costs down. One of the best options for a family-sized SUV with great fuel economy is the Renault Kadjar.
The Kadjar stands out for its spacious interior and large boot, which is bigger than that of the Nissan Qashqai, a car with which it shares its hardware. It has a smooth diesel engine that is reasonably punchy despite a relatively small 113bhp power output. The most efficient version is the Blue dCi 115 diesel engine with the automatic gearbox, which returns 54.3-57.7mpg. The manual gearbox version of the same engine is also efficient, achieving 54.3-56.5mpg. The Kadjar's insurance groups range from 17 for the entry-level 1.5-litre diesel to group 19 for the top-of-the-range diesel.
The Renault Kadjar is a great choice for those looking for a family-sized SUV with good fuel economy. However, it is worth noting that the reliability of the Kadjar has been called into question, with the model being subjected to three recalls by the DVSA, including one for an engine power issue. Despite this, the Kadjar remains a tempting option for those in the market for a spacious and economical diesel SUV.
Other options for fuel-efficient diesel cars include the Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI, which achieves 57.9mpg, the Vauxhall Astra, which manages more than 56mpg in real-world conditions, and the 2011 Kia Rio, which was offered with a 1.1L diesel engine that could achieve 73.3 mpg. The Vauxhall Corsa is also worth considering, with the latest generation diesel model capable of 70.6 mpg in the UK and 58.8 mpg in the US.
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The Audi A4 is a comfortable, tech-filled car with impressive fuel economy
While diesel cars may not be as fashionable as they once were, they are still a great choice for those looking to save on fuel costs. One of the best diesel cars for fuel economy is the Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI, which achieves an impressive 57.9 mpg in testing. The previous-generation Vauxhall Astra is another excellent choice, achieving more than 56 mpg in real-world conditions.
If you're looking for a comfortable and tech-filled car with impressive fuel economy, the Audi A4 is a great option. The A4 has been a cornerstone of Audi's model lineup for decades and is known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It offers a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, intuitive technology features, and precise steering. The interior is luxurious and filled with tech, including AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth Wireless Technology, and Child Door Locks. The A4 is also available with mild hybrid technology, which further improves its fuel efficiency.
The fuel consumption of the Audi A4 varies depending on driving conditions and the model type. The A4 45, for example, is rated for 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. However, in testing, it achieved a solid 33 mpg. The S4 TDI can achieve a respectable 40 mpg with gentle driving, but this number drops to around 30 mpg with aggressive driving.
Overall, the Audi A4 is a comfortable and tech-filled car with impressive fuel economy. Its blend of performance, comfort, and technology makes it a strong choice for those seeking a high-end family vehicle or an executive car.
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The SEAT Leon is a top family hatchback pick with great fuel efficiency
The Leon offers a range of engines, including a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 296bhp 2.0-litre flyer in the Cupra. The most economical version, the 1.6-litre diesel, can achieve up to 70.6 mpg, according to official NEDC figures. Under the newer, more realistic WLTP figures, this averages 57.6 mpg. The mid-range 2.0-litre diesel gets around 64 mpg (56 mpg under the WLTP). The diesel engines are even more economical than the petrol options, but there is always a hint of gruffness to them.
The SEAT Leon is a talented family hatchback, with stylish looks, impressive engines, and generous trim levels. It is closely related to other cars in the Volkswagen Group, such as the Golf, the Skoda Octavia, and the Audi A3, but it is a big chunk cheaper than those stablemates, starting from just under £25,000. The Leon has a unique look that makes the Golf look rather conservative in comparison, and it has a slightly greater focus on driving feel.
The latest model has grown in size with a longer wheelbase and a curvy, muscular design. It features a full-width light bar at the rear, a small grille, and sleek headlights at the front. The improvements to quality are most apparent on the inside, with a neat 10-inch infotainment screen, crisp digital dials, cool ambient lighting, and attractive materials throughout the cabin. Some may even prefer the Leon's interior to that of the Golf.
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Frequently asked questions
The Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI tops the list of the most economical diesel cars, achieving 57.9mpg in laboratory tests and an impressive 72.6mpg in rural areas.
Other diesel cars with good fuel economy include the Vauxhall Astra, Renault Kadjar, Skoda Superb Estate, Vauxhall Corsa, Audi A4, SEAT Leon, Peugeot 308, Volkswagen T-Roc, and the BMW 3 Series.
Diesel cars were once considered the most fuel-efficient, but with the rise of zero-emissions vehicles, they have lost some of their appeal. However, diesel cars still offer great fuel economy and are a good choice for those who drive long distances.
Yes, the Mercedes E300 de hybrid diesel is reported to have an astonishing 201 mpg, making it one of the most economical diesel cars on the market.
To improve the fuel economy of a diesel car, it is recommended to reduce idling, remove unnecessary weight, and ensure proper maintenance, including regular checks of fluids, oil, brakes, and tire pressure. Driving behavior also plays a role, with inconsistent speeds, rapid acceleration, and driving too fast increasing fuel consumption.
