With fuel economy assuming increasing influence by the day, diesels are making up for lost time in refinement and sales alike. In recent years, diesels have become ever more house-trained with turbo-boosted driveability, highly efficient direct-injection fuelling and virtually smokeless exhausts.
From almost immeasurable obscurity just a decade or so ago, oil burners have nearly doubled their Australian market penetration year by year. Although still a minority, diesels now account for about five per cent of car sales and their share continues growing apace.
Clear evidence of diesels' expansive popularity is found in the under-$30,000 bracket -- a once barren field now home to seven models.
Capable of covering from 750-1000km between refills, each shuns bowsers like it's allergic. That's diesel's big attraction, of course.
The cons include higher prices than equivalent petrol models, but if you are a sufficiently high-mileage user then the consumption versus running-cost numbers can add up. And to many there's another attraction to the latest crop of diesels -- their torque-rich power delivery. With enough Newton-metres to embarrass petrol engines twice the capacity, the modern turbodiesel has a lot going for it…
Is there a diesel in your future? Read on, you might be surprised…
CITROEN C4 SX HDi (more here)
The manual-only five-speed SX HDi is the lone diesel in the C4 line-up and shares some mechanical elements with its PSA partner, the Peugeot 307 HDi. In each instance the 1.6-litre engine specifies 80kW maximum power and 240Nm maximum torque. However, Citroen adds a turbocharger 'overboost' function which temporarily raises peak torque to 260Nm for full-throttle acceleration.
Another point of difference is that Citroen's distinctive five-door, five-seat body sits on an about-average 2608mm wheelbase, whereas the Peugeot's 2708mm span between axles is the group's longest.
Efficiently light for its size (1280kg) and aerodynamically slippery besides, the C4 HDi ekes outstandingly good economy from its diesel -- officially achieving 4.7lt/100km.
The Citroen's five-star crash-safety rating is complemented by sophisticated anti-lock braking system, traction control and electronic stability system, as well as six airbags and other impact mitigation measures.
The C4 HDi's equipment level includes a full-size spare wheel, and the three-year/100,000km warranty is supported by roadside assistance.
Although the retained value forecast is a smidge below average at almost 56 per cent, that aspect pales next the C4 HDi's, safety, comfort, fuel economy and Citreonesque individuality.
DODGE CALIBER ST CRD
You've heard of 'crossover' models; those that have one foot in the SUV field, the other in the urban-dweller world. Well, the Dodge Caliber is another variation on the car-convergence theme, American style. It's a bold design that looks like it could be an AWD soft-roader, however, behind the muscular wheel arches and elevated ground clearance, the Caliber is a deceptively conventional front-drive hatchback.
While petrol Calibers offer optional CVT automatics, the diesel comes only in six-speed manual forms. A wholly contemporary design, the 2.0-litre CRD engine delivers competitive outputs of 103kW and 310Nm to assure the largest, roomiest under-$30K model of amply strong performance without seriously denting its official 6.1lt/100km potential.
The Caliber ST CRD is one of only two models here with 17-inch wheels, and one of three without a full-size spare. But it follows the almost universal rule of three-year/100,000km warranty and roadside assistance, and looks forward to retained value of around 58 per cent.
The diesel Dodge's specification includes six airbags, ABS brakes, ESP stability system, power-everything, plenty of stowage places and, not least, a four-can CoolZone adjunct to the air-conditioning system. After all, man (and family) doesn't travel on fuel economy alone.
FIAT PUNTO (more here)
The Punto JTD diesel is a good-looking, dynamically competent supermini-size hatchback that bids in triplicate with combinations drawn from three engines, two bodies and two transmissions.
At $22,990, the 66kW/200Nm 1.3-litre Dynamic is the lightest and equal least expensive diesel available, and one of the most fully featured. Dynamics goodies include aircon, trip computer, cruise control, power front windows, power mirrors, Dualdrive (switchable) electric power steering, ABS brakes, and six airbags. A six-speed manual is standard, while automated Dualogic costs $1500 extra.
Significantly, the semi-auto Dynamic claims a 'combined' consumption of only 4.5lt/100km, just edging out its 4.6lt/100km manual stablemate for 'economy' honours.
The $27,990 Emotion shares the Dynamic's five-door body, omits the Dualogic option, and brings an 88kW/280Nm 1.9-litre engine boasting 5.6lt/100km. Although the 1.9-litre engine outguns its smaller sibling with noticeably punchier performance, there's a trade-off in refinement.
That's also true of the 1.9-litre Sport model (5.8lt/100km) which has the same $27,990 tag as the Emotion, and the same 280Nm maximum torque, but features 96kW maximum power, 17-inch wheels and a three-door body with sportier decore. Oh, and a puncture-sealing mobility kit rather than the five-door models' full-size (15-inch) spare wheel.
Punto's projected retained value is close to 60 per cent for the Dynamic, and a little less for the others. The industry-standard three-year/100,000km warranty applies, and includes full term, no-strings roadside assistance.
HOLDEN ASTRA CDTi (more here)
All diesels aren't created equal… As the Astra CDTi goes to show. The $29,990 manual's responsively vigorous six-speed drivetrain overcomes its heaviest-in-class impediment with enthusiastically brisk performance (0-100km/h in high 8sec bracket), and relatively thrifty 6.0lt/100km consumption.
Producing up to 110kW and 320Nm, the manual's 1.9-litre DOHC engine simply outguns all immediate rivals, not least its SOHC six-speed automatic alternative which makes only 88kW/280Nm, takes two seconds longer for 0-100km/h, quotes 7.1lt/100km, and at $31,490 is beyond Under-$30K's temptation.
Among Astra's (manual) appeals is a particularly capable, enjoyable chassis. Its disciplined but not discomforting sports suspension placates the sense of cornering nose-heaviness evident in many diesels; which are intrinsically nose heavier than petrol siblings.
The well-presented Astra is second to none for safety features, nor for equipment level which includes alloy wheels, driver's seat height and two-way wheel adjustments, cruise control, and full-size spare wheel.
Expectation of around 60 per cent retained value is another attraction. Perhaps less so is Holden's provision of roadside assistance for only the first year of the three-year/100,000km warranty, with a further year or two's call-out availability dependent on having routine services performed by a Holden dealer.
PEUGEOT 307 XS HDi (more here -- XSE tested)
One of the cars behind the local diesel-car upsurge, the five-door 307 HDi comes in hatchback and Touring (wagon) forms. But while 100kW/320Nm 2-litre SXE variants offer optional automatics they, and the XS HDi Touring, are above the $30K mark.
That leaves the $29,490 hatchback XS HDi within this group's ambit. The 1.6-litre engine may seem a bit underwhelming for such a fairly solid and sizeable car, on paper anyway. However, with 80kW and 240Nm at its disposal, the willing engine gives good account of itself providing you use the gears freely while encouraging torque, rather than revs, to do the work. That serves fuel consumption in the order of 4.9lt/100km.
The 307's cabin puts its longest-in-class wheelbase to good use with adult-size leg space all round. For a base model (steel wheels, for example), the XS brings a reassuring complement of safety features including six airbags, and ABS/EBD/BAS braking.
Nor is it Mother Hubbard's cupboard in the equipment level, for remote central locking, cruise control (with speed limiter), climate control, six-stack CD player, trip computer and cooled glovebox are just some of the standard inclusions.
Apart from the usual three-year/100,000km warranty and roadside assistance, the icing on XS HDi's cake is the prospect of better than average (62 per cent) value retention.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 1.9 TDI (more here -- Sportline tested)
It's not just through luck that Golf is the diesel by which others are judged as cars and for popularity. Although the 1.9 TDI is the lesser of Golf's two diesel families in ultimate power and performance (versus the 2.0-litre editions), the slightly smaller engine still scores persuasively for price and consumption.
The 1.9 TDI Trendline Golf with 77kW/220Nm engine and six-speed manual 'box is $27,990 while stretching to $29,990 covers the Comfortline with the same drivetrain and a bit more pizzaz. Whichever you steer, the combined consumption is listed as 5.5lt/100km.
Then again, negotiating merely $290 over the $30K ceiling brings the excellent six-speed automated-manual DSG transmission within grasp of the 1.9 TDI Trendline. This combo loses very little performance while marginally increasing consumption to 5.8lt/100km. Which, remember, is still thriftier than the manual Astra and Caliber diesels.
Apart from a space-saver spare wheel, both 1.9 TDI Golfs are well specified with ABS brakes, traction control and six airbags among the safety features. The equipment levels are on the pace too. While the Trendline has a fair share of niceties, the Comfortline justifies its higher price with 16-inch alloys rather than 15-inch steels, cruise control, extra speakers, shopping bag hooks and a raft of other detail enhancements.
Either way, the 1.9 TDI Golfs' bonus is the best-in-class retained value prospects around the 65 per cent mark.
VOLKSWAGEN POLO MATCH TDI
Far from being over-shadowed by Golf, or somehow looking to it for favours, the Polo takes its own aim towards those seeking a stylishly slim, trim, been-to-the-gym sort of small car -- especially one that claims just 5.0lt/100km, or up to 900km per 45-litre tankful.
Powered by a 74kW/240Nm version of the 1.9 TDI engine found in the Golf, the Match TDI comes with five-speed manual gearbox and, like most small diesels, doesn't offer an optional automatic.
At $22,990, the Polo Match TDI is line-ball on price with the manual Fiat Punto 1.3 JTD. Different strokes for different folks. Where the Punto has six speeds, the Polo has 30 per cent larger engine with appreciably more power and broader elasticity in its delivery.
Although the Polo Match TDI doesn't stint on safety features such as ABS and EBD brakes, it asks $700 extra for curtain and (front) side airbags to complement the standard dual front airbags. The equipment level includes remote central locking, two-way wheel adjustment, air, cruise control and power windows front and rear. Also a full-size spare wheel…
It perhaps goes without saying that the VW ties mean Polo's reputation and build quality are givens. Hence there's no surprise that the Match TDI's strong (63 per cent) resale prospects are second only to you know whose. Runs in the family, obviously…
The Carsales Network's picks
Hardhead: Not a wrackingly difficult decision, really. The most convincing blend of thrifty fuel economy, responsive performance, benchmark build quality, inviting accommodations and great driveability is found in the Golf 1.9 TDI. Ah, but which one? As an under-$30K manual, the Comfortline 1.9 TDI has a comfortable edge over its cheaper stablemate. Then again, if you can raise a few hundred dollars more, or, better still, do a down-price deal, the Trendline 1.9 TDI with DSG transmission could be the go.
Heartbeat: If you're hooked on diesels, there are no losers in the under-$30K ranks, and each makes a reasoned case in its own way/s. For example, the Punto 1.3 JTD stands out for sheer fuel economy and comparatively smooth-as refinement. But while the Golf 1.9 TDI makes the most convincing case overall, so the manual Astra CDTi has the edge in enthusiasm as the most satisfyingly sporty drive of the lot. Clearly, no-one told Holden that going for economy can't be fun.
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