Are you on the hunt for a new diesel car? If so, you're not alone.

Thanks to their great fuel economy and impressive torque, diesel car sales in Australia have been strong in recent years.

To help you find a decent car, we've put together a list of the five best diesel cars in Australia. Whether you're looking for a diesel SUV, hatchback, or Sedan, we've got you covered.

But before that, let’s discuss whether a diesel car is really worth it. 

Should you really buy a diesel car?

There are many reasons why people all over the world love diesel cars. Let’s discuss some pros and cons of a diesel car to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

Some of the most notable advantages of a diesel car are:

  • Diesel cars offer excellent fuel economy and perform well for long stretches of drive, e.g., cross-country road trips or highway drives.
  • Diesel engines produce more torque than gasoline engines, which results in a powerful ride.
  • Diesel engines are built differently from gasoline engines and require minimal routine maintenance, which saves you money. You can also save money on repairs by comparing mechanics with DingGo and finding yourself the best deal.

Cons

You should be aware of the following disadvantages before buying a diesel car:

  • While diesel cars usually require minimal maintenance, they can be more expensive than petrol cars when they do.
  • Despite advanced technologies, diesel engines are not usually as quiet as petrol and electric engines. 
  • While diesel cars produce high torques, they don’t have much to offer in terms of horsepower. You can read about the difference between torque and horsepower here.

 

With that out of the way, let’s look at the 5 best diesel cars you’ll find in Australia. 

1. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a popular all wheels drive diesel SUV that offers excellent fuel economy and plenty of space for families.

The car comes in the following variants:

  • Maxx Sport
  • Touring
  • Touring Active
  • GT
  • Akera

Akera is the top-of-the-line variant and comes packed with features, including an easy-to-use infotainment system, heated front seats, keyless locking, reversing camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistant. 

You can check out an in-depth review of the car here.

2. Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

If you're looking for a diesel SUV with plenty of space, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is a good option. In terms of performance and price, this car rivals Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq.

It's a 7-seater that offers plenty of room. Even when completely occupied, the car still has a 230L boot capacity, which is pretty impressive.

The Tiguan Allspace comes with both front and all-wheel drive options. But what sets it apart from others is the all-new IQ Drive Travel Assist, meaning it can do a bit of driving by itself.

The IQ Drive Travel Assist allows the car system to control acceleration and braking for brief periods. However, the company recommends you use it with constant supervision.

On top of that, the car also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for better smartphone integration.

Learn More About The VW Tiguan Here

3. Isuzu MU-X

The Isuzu MU-X is another 7-seater SUV that's big on space and comfort. It rivals the likes of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner but offers a more affordable price tag.

The Isuzu MU-X comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. It's mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 variants.

In terms of safety, the Isuzu MU-X comes with six airbags, stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and a reversing camera.

Overall, Isuzu MU-X offers excellent fuel economy, a powerful yet stable ride, and plenty of space for families.

Related: See Our List Of The Best Second Hand 4x4s In Australia

4. Mercedes C Class

The Mercedes C Class is one of the most popular models from the German automaker. It's a compact, mid-size, luxury passenger sedan that rivals the BMW 3-series, Audi A4, and Genesis G70.

The car is available in two trims, namely:

  • C200
  • C300

Both variants offer incredible features and employ high-end technologies. For example, the car offers five different driving settings: Sport, Sport+, Comfort, Eco, and Individual.

Moreover, the car is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 143kW of power and 370 Nm of torque.

The car's interior feels like a high-tech cabin equipped with a premium digital display, touch-sensitive controls, and a wide range of amenities.

Learn More About The 2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class

5. Peugeot 308

The Peugeot 308 is a French car with a compact and seductive design that doesn't compromise on functionality. Often referred to as the perfect family car, Peugeot 308 is available in hybrid, petrol, and diesel variants.

The diesel variant is powered by a 1.6-liter HDi engine that produces 92kW of power and 300 Nm of torque.

The car is available in three trims:

  • Active
  • Allure
  • Feline

The Feline is the top-of-the-line trim and comes packed with unique specs, including a 10-inch interactive infotainment system that employs a helpful voice assistant. 

Moreover, the car features a sleek hexagonal power steering, a panoramic sunroof, and various driver-assistance technologies.


For a great deal on financing your new purchase, contact Australia's best reviewed finance broker on 1300 Credit (1300 273 348) today or visit CreditOne.com.au

Jordan Ballard

Jordan Ballard

Automotive Content Editor

Jordan is a car finance and automotive industry specialist at Only Cars. With over 20 years of experience with frontline and management roles in sales, finance and other areas, Jordan has an incredible understanding of the automotive industry. As Automotive Content Editor, Jordan loves sharing his passion for cars with the Only Cars audience.