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Best Diesel Cars

Discover the power and efficiency of diesel cars in our latest blog, where we look into the top contenders dominating the roads with their superior performance and fuel economy.

Best Diesel Cars

Olivia Wigglesworth

Published: 30 December 2019

Updated: 17 January 2024

Read time: 5 minutes

Diesel cars have long been known as powerhouses, with the engines designed to be durable and long-lasting. The engine components are well-lubricated and endure far less wear than other engines, meaning you can rack up some serious mileage without so much as a hiccup.

If you’re new to the world of diesel cars and are in need of a reliable motor, we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best diesel cars currently available. Whether you’re looking for a diesel SUV or one of the best small diesel cars, we’ve got you covered.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class - £48,845

Model in the spotlight: E CLASS E220d 200 AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class lets you enjoy complete luxury on even the longest of road trips with plenty of cabin space and a handy infotainment screen with a passenger display. The notably comfy seats pair well with the capability of the diesel engine so you’re all set for the long-haul.

Top Spec:

Engine Size - 1,993cc

Fuel Tank - 50 litres

Transmission - Semi-Auto

BHP - 200

Seat Tarraco - £40,240

Model in the spotlight: TARRACO 2.0 TDI FR 5dr DSG

The ultimate family car, the Tarraco is an extremely practical 7-seater with a great engine range. What the interior lacks in style it makes up for in functionality offering plenty of space for your kids, dogs or weekly shop. With a rear-view camera providing 360-degree range, manoeuvring this larger SUV shouldn’t be a problem.

Top Spec:

Engine Size - 1,968cc

Fuel Tank - 58 litres

Transmission - Automatic

BHP - 150

VW Golf - £24,365

Model in the spotlight: GOLF 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

This Golf TDI Life model is one of the best small diesel cars in this list and comes as a more compact alternative to a diesel SUV. Having evolved over many years, this model is representative of the VW Golf’s rich history, offering some of the best features to date. Such features include a stunning high res 10.25" dash display, with a fully customisable menu, so you can tailor it to your preferences.

Top Spec:

Engine Size - 1,968cc

Fuel Tank - 45 litres

Transmission - Semi-Auto

BHP - 115

SEAT Leon - £26,835

Model in the spotlight: LEON 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

The SEAT Leon has been referred to as “one of the best family hatchbacks on sale, blending style, practicality and excellent dynamics”. As a brilliant all-rounder, we’d recommend the SEAT LEON 2.0 TDI SE 5dr which is capable of roughly 65 mpg. With this SEAT model, you can enjoy a capable family car for less than 27K.

Top Spec:

Engine Size - 1,968cc

Fuel Tank - 45 litres

Transmission - Manual

BHP - 115

Volkswagen T-Roc - £30,685

Model in the spotlight: T-ROC 2.0 TDI EVO Life 5dr

This small diesel SUV has the looks, plenty of space and delivers a steady drive - what more could you want? The powerful diesel engine ensures comfortable road trips as a standard with any extra power you need ready and waiting. The Volkswagen T-Roc also offers plenty of safety-related kit and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

Top Spec:

Engine Size - 1,968cc

Fuel Tank - 50 litres

Transmission - Manual

BHP - 115

Audi A3 - £38,075

Model in the spotlight: A3 35 TDI Black Edition 5dr S Tronic [Tech Pack]

With a luxurious interior, the Audi A3 is comfortable, classy, and delivers unwavering efficiency. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also honoured the A3 with its Top Safety Pick+ award in 2023, making a top pick for those with safety features at the top of their checklist.

Top Spec:

Engine Size - 1,968cc

Fuel Tank - 50 litres

Transmission - Semi-Auto

BHP - 150

Mercedes-Benz C-Class - £48,420

Model in the spotlight: C CLASS C220d AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic

Another luxurious Mercedes-Benz entry to this list, the C-Class manages to effortlessly balance the high-end interior synonymous with the brand and the formidable performance you would expect from a diesel engine. Closely resembling the S-Class but available at a much lower price point, you can enjoy lavish journeys without breaking the bank.

Top Spec:

Engine Size - 1,993cc

Fuel Tank - 66 litres

Transmission - Semi-Auto

BHP - 200

New Audi A4 - £41,200

Model in the spotlight: A4 35 TDI Sport 5dr S Tronic [17" Alloy]

Dubbed “the best A4 ever” by Top Gear, this Audi may be the last on our list but it’s far from the least. As you’d expect with Audi, the interior is designed to be both useful and great to look at, and the ride comfort is next-level, ensuring that spending time behind the wheel of the A4 never feels like a chore.

Top Spec:

Engine Size - 1,968cc

Fuel Tank - 40 litres

Transmission - Semi-Auto

BHP - 163

The Best Diesel Cars From JCT600

If you're in the market for a new car, or perhaps are looking for the best diesel car to buy second-hand, JCT600 have got all bases covered. We stock a range of both new and used cars, so you can find your dream car which suits your style and your budget.

For more updates on diesel vehicles and other industry insight, keep an eye on our news page. If you’d like to know more about the vehicles we have available, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Representative finance example: Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

Representative APR%
9.90% APR 		 First Payment
£249.71		 46 Monthly
payments of
£249.71		 Optional final
payment
£9,090.00		 On the road
price
£20,000.00		 Term of
agreement
48 months		 Customer deposit
£4,000.00
Amount of credit
£16,000.00		 Cost of credit
£4,826.37		 Annual mileage
5,000		 Excess mileage
8.4p		 Total amount
payable
£24,836.37		 Fixed rate of
interest
9.90%		  
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