Fuel economy and running costs are always key considerations when choosing a new car, and this makes small diesel cars a clever choice for some drivers. Their fuel-efficient engines and low weight, coupled to hatchback practicality, make them easy to live with and easy on the wallet, especially if you do very high mileages.
Diesel engines have been becoming less and less popular over the last few years, especially in small cars. Manufacturers like Toyota have preferred hybrid tech to diesel engines for some time, while manufacturers such as Honda, Volvo and Fiat are now offering their smallest cars with only hybrid or electric-only propulsion. Just as long is the list of compact models that once offered diesel power, but are now petrol-only. Shop for a new Renault Clio for instance, and you can now only specify it as a petrol or hybrid, where once diesel reigned supreme in the range. Look a little higher up the size scale, meanwhile, and family car favourites such as the Mazda 3 and Hyundai i30, once popular with diesel buyers, are no longer offered with diesel power, while Ford no longer offers its excellent TDCi diesel engine in the Ford Fiesta (which has actually ceased production altogether) or Ford Focus. It’s only the premium offerings in this family hatchback sector - such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series - that are still offered with diesel. All this means that if you’re looking for a small car with a diesel engine, then in most cases, you’ll be looking for a used diesel car rather than a new one.
For the right sort of buyer, though, small cars with diesel engines continue to be a sound bet if you cover a lot of motorway miles. Here’s our pick of the best small diesel cars.
The Best Small Diesel Cars 2023
- Citroen C3 (2016-)
- Peugeot 208 (2019-)
- Citroen C3 Aircross (2017-)
- Vauxhall Crossland (2021-)
- Dacia Duster (2019-)
- DS 3 Crossback (2019-)
- Peugeot 2008 (2019-)
- Vauxhall Mokka (2021-)
- Volkswagen T-Roc (2017-)
- BMW X1 (2022-)
Citroen C3 (2016-)
Average MPG: 70.6
Citroen was one of the last car companies to stop offering a diesel engine in a supermini, so diesel-powered C3s can be found on the used car market that are younger than equivalents from other manufacturers. The French firm’s 1.5-litre BlueHDI 100 engine does sterling work in the handsome C3. It has 99hp on hand to deliver lots of low- and mid-rev shove, while the five-speed manual gearbox is easy to work.
Driven with a modicum of thought for fuel economy, the C3 can record a combined consumption of 70.6mpg, so it’s one of the most economical diesel cars out there. CO2 emissions come in as low as 113g/km. It’s also one of the most comfortable superminis on bumpy roads.
Citroen C3 Review
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Peugeot 208 (2019-)
Average MPG: 72.2mpg
Anyone who thinks small diesel cars are a thing of the past need only drive the Peugeot 208 1.5 Blue HDi 100 to see that’s not the case. Its appeal may be largely confined to those who cover a lot of miles, but they will appreciate its combined economy of 72.2mpg, which means you can cover more than 650 miles on a single fill of the 41-litre fuel tank.
The Peugeot is a supermini you will want to spend time in, because it’s comfortable and stylish. The iCockpit interior with the steering wheel set low down and the instruments viewed over the top takes a little getting used to, but it works just fine. It also rides and handles very well.
Peugeot 208 Review
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Citroen C3 Aircross (2017-)
Average MPG: 67.2
Most Citroen C3 Aircross customers will opt for the fine 1.2-litre petrol engine, but don’t rule out the 109bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor if you cover plenty of miles. With an average fuel consumption of 67.2mpg and 123g/km CO2 emissions, it’s very frugal.
You’ll also find the C3 Aircross is one of the most stylish and comfortable small SUVs on the market. There’s a good touchscreen infotainment system and the higher-spec models come with a wealth of standard equipment to make it a luxurious compact SUV. Some of the interior plastics let the side down, so you won’t mistake it for a Range Rover anytime soon, but you’ll like the fact that it offers a level of space and versatility you’d expect to find in a small MPV.
Citroen C3 Aircross Review
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Vauxhall Crossland (2021-)
Average MPG: 62.8
A bit like the Vauxhall Corsa, the Crossland is a mainstay of its class and it’s easy to understand why when you look at the sharp styling of this small SUV. The diesel version was only available for a short period of time, but it gives rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Seat Arona a tough time, and the 1.5-litre turbodiesel version also comes with of official average fuel economy figure of 62.8mpg.
The engine’s 109bhp output serves up a strong kick of acceleration from low speeds, and the six-speed manual gearbox is smooth and light to use. Emissions come out at 120g/km at their lowest, though higher trim levels sneak up to as much as 126g/km.
Vauxhall Crossland Review
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Dacia Duster (2019-)
Average MPG: 58.9
Dacia offers a single 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine in the Duster, but you can choose the dCi 115 motor with front- or four-wheel drive. Go with the former and you’ll be able to aim for the official average of 58.9mpg, while the 4x4 version comes in at a still respectable 53.3mpg. That's good going for a car that can handle a surprising amount of rough road driving, as are CO2 emissions of 127g/km and 141g/km for the two- and four-wheel drive models, respectively.
The Duster is relaxing to drive, with the emphasis firmly on comfort rather than trying to compete with sportier offerings such as the Ford Puma or Audi Q2. The driving experience on the motorway is just as straightforward thanks to decent refinement, but the Duster trails most rivals with its relative lack of standard safety kit.
Dacia Duster Review
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DS 3 Crossback (2019-)
Average MPG: 62.8mpg
Definitely not a car for shy and retiring types, the DS 3 Crossback has styling that stands out wherever your park it. That’s great news if you simply want to make an impression, but it pays for its chic looks with a cramped cabin, so it’s far from the most practical small SUV.
It makes up for this to some extent with its 1.5-litre BlueHDI turbodiesel engine that delivers 109bhp and 62.8mpg on the WLTP Combined cycle. It features a six-speed manual gearbox and is front-wheel drive, helping to keep emissions to 120g/km, which is reasonable for the class. The engine is a lively performer that helps make the most of the DS 3’s agile handling, although the ride is firm.
DS 3 Crossback Review
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Peugeot 2008 (2019-)
Average MPG: 65.7mpg
As an advertisement for the small SUV class, it’s hard to find a better poster child than the Peugeot 2008. Good looks are backed up by fine details on the outside and inside, and it also has plenty of practicality to make it a sound family choice.
For those covering more miles than most, the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 turbodiesel engine is a sound bet. It gives petrol rivals such as the Kia Stonic, Skoda Kamiq and Renault Captur a hard time thanks to its 65.7mpg potential. A smooth ride is complemented by nimble handling and excellent refinement. The downside is that the diesel is now only available as a used car, but it’s nonetheless worth checking out.
Peugeot 2008 Review
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Vauxhall Mokka (2021-)
Average MPG: 65.7
Vauxhall offers something for everyone with the Mokka, from petrol engine power to an electric model and this, the 1.5-litre Turbo D model with 109bhp. Thanks to 65.7mpg combined economy and CO2 emissions as low as 114g/km, the diesel-fuelled Mokka remains a sound bet for anyone racking up the miles, although it's another example of the diesel being confined to second-hand models.
The Mokka is crisply styled and features a decent amount of interior space for passengers and luggage. It also comes with lots of standard safety kit, which helps offset the slightly dull driving manners of this keenly priced small SUV.
Vauxhall Mokka Review
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Volkswagen T-Roc (2017-)
Average MPG: 60.1
Volkswagen has kept the faith with diesel engines in its T-Roc where other models in the firm’s line-up have moved to petrol, hybrid or electric vehicles, such as the Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Golf. Buyers have a choice of 113- or 148bhp 2.0 TDI turbodiesel engines. The former offers a best combined economy of 60.1mpg, while the latter ranges from 51.4-57.6mpg depending on whether you select a two- or four-wheel drive model.
Inside, the T-Roc has a cabin every bit as roomy as a Skoda Karoq’s and it’s good to drive, if not quite as sharp as a Ford Puma. Even so, the T-Roc is one of the best diesel cars in its class and the SE trim comes with loads of equipment.
Volkswagen T-Roc Review
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BMW X1 (2022-)
Average MPG: 58.9
Small diesel cars with a premium badge are few and far between in 2022. However, BMW’s smallest SUV offers all of the usual traits that drivers love, including fine handling and a lovely interior, along with a punchy diesel engine. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel comes in front-wheel drive sDrive 18d or four-wheel drive xDrive23d forms, with 148bhp and 194bhp respectively. Choose the lower output model and you’ll have access to a claimed 56.5mpg average fuel economy, while the 23d gives up to 58.9mpg due to its mild-hybrid technology.
CO2 emissions for the 23d diesel models come in as low as 125g/km, while the 18d comes in at 131g/km. Whichever you choose, the X1 is a fine rival to cars from Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz.
BMW X1 Review
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