10 of the Best Diesel Cars
If you're drawn to the tried-and-tested technology of diesel cars and their cost-saving fuel economy, we understand why. Though they've fallen out of favour with manufacturers these days, that means there's the chance of a used bargain – great news for those with budgets that won't stretch to modern electric or hybrid options. In this list, we look at the best diesel cars to buy second hand if saving money is high on your list but you also want a reliable, easy-to-drive model.
1. Kia Ceed
A 2012-2018 Kia Ceed is a low-cost yet modern and stylish small hatch, and with the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel, it can achieve an impressive 74.3 mpg. It’s one of the best diesel cars to buy second hand because it’s got low insurance costs, low tax and may still have some of the seven-year warranty left, which Kia allows to be transferred to a new owner. The drive is comfortable and easy, and there’s enough pep in the engine to be getting on with too.
2. Citroen C4 Cactus
The C4 Cactus small crossover is still in production, which means it remains current even if you’re buying a 2014 car. The main thing to note about this Citroen is the unique styling that gives it some funky flair, though it may not be to everyone’s taste. There’s been a mind-boggling range of engines in its life, but the 1.6 BlueHDi 100 has fuel economy figures of a staggering 75-91 mpg. The Cactus also rides comfortably and handles well – food for thought.
3. Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is a, incredibly popular small car in the UK, and it offers very good value for money. That means you won’t struggle to find one used, and we’d suggest a 2014-2018 model which still has a contemporary feel to its styling. The 1.3 CDTi engines are all capable of over 72 mpg, but the 1.3 CDTi 95 ecoFLEX could even achieve 88 mpg. None of the engines are particularly quick, but if that’s a big factor, you may want to avoid the rather sluggish CDTi 75. That one aside, Corsas usually have enough power to handle a standard mix of town and open-road driving.
4. Renault Clio
The 2013-2019 Clio was something of a style revolution for Renault’s small hatch, which means it still feels modern today. In terms of drive, the accomplished balance between comfort and nimbleness is definitely a reason this is one of the best diesel cars to buy. The 1.5 dCi engine came in 90 or 110 power outputs, capable of 88 mpg and 81 mpg respectively, and feels quiet and refined. A Euro NCAP crash safety rating of the maximum five stars in 2019 is also very reassuring – as is Renault’s reputation for reliability.
5. Mercedes A-Class
If you’re in the market for a more premium small hatchback, we recommend the Mercedes A-Class, the previous (2012-2018) version of which is still a very handsome car. It also drives well with sprightly handling and a choice of three torquey engines on offer – the A180d, A200d and A220d. The sweet spot is the A200d, offering up to 70.6 mpg and a 0-62 mph time of 8.8 seconds. The A180 offers slightly better economy but with a noticeable drop in performance, which means it could still be an ideal choice if you don’t need the extra push from the engine. Whichever variant you choose, you get a distinctly Mercedes interior: a comfortable, tech-laden and relaxing place to be. If you want an executive feel in a smaller package, this it one of the best diesel cars around.
6. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a mid-sized hatchback with very unique, rounded-wedge styling. The 2.2-litre I-DTEC engine offers real pep (0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds) and smooth motorway cruising while still achieving up to 67.3 mpg. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2014, meaning the less-refined 1.6 diesel became the only choice – the good news is that the fuel economy is still an incredible 78.5 mpg. Add the brand’s reputation for reliability and low tax costs into the mix, and the Civic starts looking like a seriously sensible and stylish choice.
7. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta, like the Vauxhall Corsa, is one of the most popular small hatches in the UK – and it’s easy to see why. It’s the car that other hatchbacks aspire to when it comes to driving fun, and the 1.5 TDCi 120 engine in the 2017-onwards model will get you from 0-62 mph in 9 seconds while still returning 66-70 mpg. If fuel economy is your bigger focus though, the lower-powered 1.5 TDCi 85 has slightly better claimed figures of 74 mpg.
8. Dacia Sandero
Renault subsidiary Dacia’s Sandero is an incredibly inexpensive small hatchback in comparison to its rivals. When it comes to looks and driving manners, it’s fair to say the Sandero is just okay, but the 1.5dCi 90 engine has plenty of grunt and has quoted fuel economy figures of up to 80.7 mpg. With purchases and running costs expected to be low, yet reliability better than you’d expect thanks to tried-and-tested Renault parts, this little hatchback is an excellent value-for-money option.
9. Citroen DS3
Following the success of the new Mini and Fiat 500, Citroen released the DS3 in 2009 with similar levels of customisation, stylish looks and a fun drive. Its 1.6-litre diesel engine offered claimed figures of over 78 mpg – with good fuel efficiency, competitive running costs and no expected reliability issues, it makes a quirky yet impressive alternative to the competition. It ran until 2016, at which point DS was split out as a separate branch of Citroen due to the DS3’s success – a very good sign.
10. Alfa Romeo Mito
With unmissable Alfa Romeo styling, the Mito has a look that stands out amongst other small hatchbacks. It’s responsive to drive, and the 1.3-litre diesel engine feels refined. It also offers a fuel economy of over 80 mpg in its later guises, just in case you needed any more evidence that this is one of the best diesel cars – and your wallet will thank you for choosing it. The Mito had a ten-year run from 2008-2018, so you should find one on the used market to fit your budget without much trouble.
Bucking the trend and buying a second-hand diesel car is something your pocket will thank you for. If we’ve piqued your interest, why not check out the listings or read an in-depth model review?