Miserly fuel consumption and lower emissions are boosting sales of diesel cars in Australia. We sent ABA's talent scouts in search of the most frugal yet funky small diesels that mean business …
Citroen C4 1.6 HDi
Citroen's C4 range has been quite a success since arriving in Australia during 2005, seducing premium small car buyers with its striking style and futuristic-yet-functional cabin. But it's conventional underneath, utilising coil spring suspension (from the Peugeot 307/308) instead of Citroen's trademark hydropneumatic set-up.
The cutting-edge stuff is saved for the HDi common-rail turbo-diesel engine with particulate filter technology for astoundingly low fuel consumption and emissions. And while only a 1.6, this HDi is smooth and spirited, packing a velvety punch from low revs for strong mid-range acceleration.
However the engine is noisy at start-up and the manual gearshift is a tad vague, while the steering, handling and ride only rate as average.
The EGS gearbox is a sequential manual with no clutch that requires some acclimatisation, but works well when mastered. It also includes a somewhat jerky 'A' auto mode for carefree city driving.
Spacious and comfortable, the C4 HDi is a hybrid alternative for individuals.
Fiat Ritmo 1.9 JTD
An Italian badge says a lot. It indicates you are a bit different and don't mind paying a bit extra for style. The new Fiat Ritmo diesel is unusual in that it costs about the same as other European and Japanese equivalents. You could say the Italian badge and style is a bonus.
This suave small car looks like a prestige model, but returns fuel economy figures on the same level as miserly econo-boxes. The Ritmo Dynamic 1.9 JTD costs $29,990 and is powered by a common-rail turbo-diesel unit that generates a reasonable 88kW and 255Nm of torque. Even more impressive is its fuel consumption number, which comes in at 5.3 litres per 100km.
Standard features include air-con, cruise control and a CD sound with steering wheel-mounted controls, alloy wheels and a full suite of airbags.
If you can afford another $3500, you can buy the Ritmo Emotion 1.9 MultiJet which is powered by a new-generation engine producing 110kW and 305Nm.
It uses 5.6 litres per 100km, which is still remarkably good, and also adds electronic stability control and a swag of luxury gear.
Hyundai i30 CRDi
Most people think that the only super-economical small cars are from Europe or Japan. Think again. The South Korean Hyundai i30 diesel won last year's Panasonic World Solar Challenge, consuming just 3.2 litres of fuel per 100km. It outperformed an Audi A3 TDIe diesel and a Toyota Prius hybrid.
That kind of economy for just $21,490 is truly remarkable and the official combined figure of 4.7L/100km shows it's pretty good in all conditions.
The i30 is Hyundai's replacement for the Elantra hatch and is designed with the European market in mind, hence the diesel, which accounts for 60 per cent of i30s sold in Australia. The unit is a 1.6-litre, twin-cam, 16-valve four-cylinder running a high-pressure injection system and a variable geometry turbo which enables a much smoother powerband.
It isn't the smoothest engine around and the diesel clatter may put some people off, but the low-down torque will win over customers not so concerned with the noise. The base SX model is a bit sparse, but the $25,990 SLX comes with a lot more gear and is still $2000 cheaper than any European diesels.
Peugeot 308 2.0 HDi
Don't be fooled by the samey styling: the 308 is much better than its patchy 307 predecessor. In 2.0-litre HDi guise, it vies for class leadership, thanks in part to that great turbo-diesel motor.
Whether crawling at walking speed or travelling cross-country, this engine will impress with luxury levels of refinement and incredibly flexible performance that really does render the petrol-powered versions obsolete. This is particularly true when you factor in the 308 HDi's brilliantly low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Plus, Peugeot has worked hard to improve its small car's ride and handling, so the 308 has found some of the dynamic alacrity that the 307 lacked. Be wary of choosing the bigger, firm-riding wheel/tyre combination, however.
The French have been observing their German neighbours, devising a premium-feel cabin that is roomy, well finished, attractive to behold, and functional too.
And as the 2.0 HDi is the 308 range-topper, its gadget count is high. Only restricted rear vision and a small glovebox spoil things inside what is a convincing alternative to a Golf or A3.
Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi
With the 207, Peugeot offers something that no other light car does - Australia's first diesel-powered wagon. Known as the HDi Touring, it is an extension of the good-looking five-door 207 HDi hatch range, and combines diesel economy and driveability with a deceptively practical yet agreeably compact wagon.
Aided by a large tailgate and low, flat floor, the 207 Touring really is a sort of automotive Tardis, making it a fine family car for folk who have parking space restrictions.
Under the bonnet is Peugeot/Citroen's fine 1.6-litre HDi four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which - with a few revs - delivers an outstanding performance/economy balance as well as fantastically low emissions. And while it can be heard and felt at idle, the diesel does settle down nicely once on the move.
On the other hand, neither 207 hatch nor Touring body styles come with an automatic gearbox (that's the provenance of petrol-powered 207s) as an alternative to the light but rather rubbery five-speed manual, while ESC stability control is a disappointing omission at this price point.
Still, with its spacious and attractive interior, great cruising abilities and frugal ways, the 207 HDi makes for an appealing all-rounder - as well as a very stylish hauler.
VW Golf GT Sport TDi
Volkswagen's Golf is a real pioneer, popularising the hatchback (1974), hot hatch (1976 GTi), cabriolet (1980s), and turbo-diesel engines (1990s). Now 'hot hatch' and 'diesel' come together with the GT Sport TDi.
Based on the popular 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre TDi unit, the GT Sport introduces a 125kW/350Nm version, matched to either a slick-shifting six-speed manual or Volkswagen's brilliant six-speed DSG twin-clutch transmission.
The upshot is a deep well of instantaneous torque from take-off acceleration, right through to the very high speeds that the GT Sport TDi is capable of cruising at. Yet with excellent fuel economy on offer, this car is perfect as an interstate express.
Better still, the Golf's sophisticated steering and suspension set-up means that while it has the steering, handling and body control to cope with all that torque, the ride quality does not suffer. A supple body kit and large alloy wheels are the only giveaways to this car's potent dynamic potential.
Inside you will find a logical and roomy cabin that does not skimp on quality, class, comfort or safety features. Only the rather austere design of the dashboard betrays the Volkswagen's German parentage, but, for many people, this just adds to the GT Sport TDi's appeal.
Fiat Punto 1.3 JTD
Larger than a Toyota Yaris but smaller than a Corolla, Fiat's shapely Punto is about diesel choice. Both the five-door Dynamic 1.3 JTD and three-door Sport 1.9 JTD body styles can seat four adults in comfort (and five at a pinch) while still boasting a large cargo area and offering five-star Euro NCAP safety.
Other plus points include a classy dashboard, plenty of standard features, and Fiat's handy City button, which lightens the steering effort considerably for easier parking.
The 1.3 JTD offers amazing fuel economy and ultra-low carbon-dioxide emissions, putting this Punto on a par with hybrid vehicles. Yes, initial acceleration is leisurely, but once the turbo kicks in, it will cruise effortlessly.
With input from Germany's Opel, the Punto drives like a larger car, with very composed steering, handling and ride qualities. But we prefer the standard five-speed manual to the Dual Logic robotised manual, with its (admittedly slick) sequential shift transmission and slow-witted Auto mode.
For more go, the manual-only 1.9 JTD Sport is the 'hot hatch' Punto, putting out a lusty 96kW and 280Nm and much stronger performance throughout the rev range. This doesn't adversely affect fuel consumption but the bigger motor can sound raucous.
