Diesel car sales are declining, but not because Europeans no longer like diesel cars, but because bureaucrats in Brussels are trying their best to neglect diesel in favor of electric cars.
Despite all efforts, however, diesel cars still account for over 40% of all passenger cars on Europe's roads. It's clear that their combination of strong torque and great fuel economy still appeals to many European drivers.
For those who regularly travel long distances, the established refueling network and impressive range between fill-ups make diesel the default choice. And yet, there are still many great diesel cars, but finding the right one is becoming increasingly difficult.
To make the process of buying or leasing much easier, Carwow experts have researched the diesels on offer and made a list of the most economical diesels you can buy right now, ranked by their fuel economy.
1. Skoda Octavia (3.5 l/100 km)
The two-liter diesel with 114 hp in the Octavia provides an incredible 3.5 l/100 km, making it the most efficient diesel car on sale right now.
2. Volkswagen Golf (3.7 l/100 km)
Here, for maximum efficiency, the same engine is available - a 2.0-liter diesel, but it is better to choose not with 114 hp, but with 148 hp, which consumes 3.5 l/100 km.
3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class (3.8 l/100 km)
The C220d and C300d are the best when it comes to purchase price, economy and performance. The 200 hp C220d and the 265 hp C300d provide superior efficiency figures, both of which receive an additional 20 hp boost from an integrated electric motor.
4. BMW 1 Series (3.9 l/100 km)
Here you get a choice of two diesel engines, producing 114 hp (designated 116d) or 187 hp (120d). The 116d offers up to 3.9 l/100 km in combined driving, while the more powerful engine still does a respectable 4.1 l/100 km.
5. Peugeot 308 (4.0 l/100 km)
The Peugeot 308 is one of the few mass hatchbacks that is still available with a diesel engine. The 1.5-liter diesel with 129 hp has an official fuel consumption of four liters per hundred kilometers, for both the hatchback and the SW station wagon models.