Sales of diesel-powered cars have been declining for the past few years, with some manufacturers dropping these engines from certain model line-ups altogether. However, the best diesel cars still offer advantages in fuel economy and CO2 emissions over petrol-engined cars, making them a sensible choice for some buyers – and particularly for people who need a larger car and cover higher mileages. The smooth, muscular power delivery of a diesel engine really comes into its own on longer journeys, as does the long driving range.
With that in mind, check out what we think are the top 10 best diesel cars on sale now. They offer a great combination of low running costs and superb performance…
Compare the best diesel cars
You can find our ratings for the top 10 diesel cars using the table below, along with our scores and official ratings for each model’s efficiency. Scroll down or use the links to read our verdicts on each car…
| Rank | Car | Price from | Overall rating | MPG, CO2 and running costs (out of 5) | Max. WLTP combined efficiency |
| 1 | Skoda Octavia | £30,000 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 66.2mpg |
| 2 | Mercedes C-Class | £47,500 | 4 | 4 | 62.8mpg |
| 3 | Audi A5 | £48,000 | 4 | 3.5 | 58.9mpg |
| 4 | Mercedes E-Class | £58,000 | 4 | 4 | 58.9mpg |
| 5 | Skoda Kodiaq | £40,000 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 53.2mpg |
| 6 | Mercedes S-Class | £100,000 | 4 | 3.5 | 45.6mpg |
| 7 | Land Rover Defender | £60,000 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 33.2mpg |
| 8 | Skoda Superb | £36,000 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 57.9mpg |
| 9 | Volkswagen Golf | £30,000 | 4 | 4 | 64.2mpg |
| 10 | Kia Sorento | £42,500 | 4 | 4 | 43.5mpg |
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1. Skoda Octavia
- Prices from £30,000
| Pros | Cons |
| Keenly pricedGreat practicalitySolid interior quality | Not the most fun to driveSlow 114bhp modelOver-reliance on touchscreen |
The Skoda Octavia was crowned Family Car of the Year at our 2024 New Car Awards, with the hatchback offering a unique mix of efficient engines, a practical cabin, great technology and – as the Czech brand does so often – a focus on value for money.
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The car was facelifted in 2024, but the crucial elements behind the Octavia’s success remain. First and foremost, the 2.0-litre diesel engine available in the line-up comes in two states of tune: a lower-powered, 114bhp version that’s capable of up to 66.2mpg, or a 148bhp alternative with a DSG automatic gearbox that still achieves 63.2mpg. The 0-62mph sprint takes 10.4 and 8.5 seconds respectively, and while the turn of speed won’t blow you away, there’s more than enough performance for everyday driving in either model.
Inside, passenger space is excellent, with plenty of legroom and headroom throughout. The boot is an impressive size too, measuring 600 litres even with the rear seats in place. Should you drop those down, capacity rises to 1,555 litres.
“If you need a hugely practical family car that’s comfortable, refined, good to drive and well-equipped, then the Octavia should be near the top of your shopping list.” – Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, drove the Octavia in the UK
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2. Mercedes C-Class
- Prices from £47,500
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved on-board techPlug-in hybrid optionCabin quality | Can be expensive to runBigger wheels affect ride comfortSmaller boot than some rivals |
In most comparisons of compact executive cars, the BMW 3 Series tends to have a small edge over the Mercedes C-Class. But among current models, it’s Mercedes that has the edge with diesel. Fine though BMW’s four-pot diesel is, the 2.0-litre mild hybrid in the C220d offers truly remarkable real-world fuel economy, giving it the edge for us.
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Official combined economy is 62.8mpg (the more powerful C300d is impressive too at 54.3mpg) but on a steady motorway run you can expect even more, with effortless torque, long gearing, and excellent aerodynamics making the C-Class a real fuel-sipper. It’s no slouch either, with 197bhp at its disposal and a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds.
And of course, the C-Class is a fine car in its own right too, with composed handling, a smooth ride, and a cabin that takes more than a little inspiration from the S-Class flagship, with plenty of tech and great seat comfort.
“It offers sharp styling, heavily inspired by its bigger E-Class sibling, outstanding levels of comfort and strong on-board technology. The exceptional interior quality also puts much more expensive models to shame.” – Shane Wilkinson, senior content editor, drove the C-Class in the UK
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3. Audi A5
- Prices from £48,000
| Pros | Cons |
| High-class interiorGood rear-seat legroomHigh levels of equipment | Price has shot upRear headroom isn’t greatBoot isn’t particularly big |
Say goodbye to the Audi A4, as it’s now called the Audi A5. Yes, we know there was an A5 before, but the latest hatch-backed compact exec effectively replaces both model lines. Knowing that diesel remains popular in this class, the A5 retains a 2.0-litre, 201bhp turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, available in both front-wheel drive and with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
