This may surprise some people, but diesel cars are still play an important role in Europe's transition to zero-emission transport as they are very efficient. Although sales of diesel cars have declined in recent years, there are still brilliant models that are extremely fuel efficient.
Why are diesel cars better now?
Two things have helped diesel cars clean up their "dirty" past: particulate filters (known as DPF) and diesel additive. The DPF collects the soot that results from the combustion of diesel fuel and stops most of it from being released from the exhaust pipe, and this collected soot is periodically burned at very high temperatures. The diesel exhaust fluid – Also known as AdBlue, it is used to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from diesel cars. It is automatically injected into the exhaust system after the DPF to convert much of the NOx into nitrogen and water.
Diesel cars with both of the above emission reduction technologies have a Euro 6 emissions rating, and all new diesel cars sold since September 2015 meet this standard.
In addition, it should be known that diesel emits almost half the CO2 when burned compared to the same amount of gasoline, which is great news for the fight against climate change. Previously, without emission reduction technologies, diesel vehicles emitted far more particulate matter and NOx than gasoline engines, which was harmful to human health.
While CO2 has a global impact, NOx and particulates affect the local area of the vehicle – both are inhaled and cause a host of long-term health problems. After the EU introduced tighter environmental regulations on diesel emissions and we are now at the Euro 6 stage, introduced in September 2014 (one year before all new diesel cars will be compliant). The latest version of this standard is Euro 6d, which applies to all new cars from January 2021
What are the most economical diesel cars?
A car's fuel economy varies depending on who is behind the wheel because we all have different driving styles. However, there are diesel cars which, according to their official average fuel economy rating measured by the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), are considered particularly economical and environmentally friendly.
Mercedes-Benz E300 de
No, we haven't made a mistake – The plug-in hybrid diesel of the E-class really has a frankly amazing economy and environmental friendliness. However, for this you need to keep the car battery charged to achieve it.
Peugeot 208 1.5 Blue HDi
Launched in 2019, the Peugeot 208 is one of the most beautiful superminis on the market, with five doors, luxurious LED lights and a 1.5-liter diesel engine that officially spends less than 5 per 100. The interior of this Peugeot is just as interesting, with a very stylish dashboard featuring instruments that you see above the steering wheel rather than through it.
Opel Corsa 1.5 Turbo D
It is no coincidence that Corsa 2019 shares the good diesel with Peugeot, because both brands fall under the Stellantis umbrella. The Corsa also shares with the Peugeot other assemblies and units, which explains why the economy figures are so similar. The main difference between this Opel and the Peugeot is the looks, which is subjective - choose what you think looks better.
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI SE
Almost every version of the Octavia is a great family car, thanks to the huge interior space (including a huge boot, especially in the estate model), but this version also adds great economy to its diesel variant. This Skoda doesn't have the most powerful engine, but it has plenty of torque, meaning you'll be able to leave it in top gear on the motorway and drive without having to downshift to overtake.
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI
This version of the Mk8 Golf has the same diesel engine as the Skoda, which has a power of 150 hp. and a six-speed manual gearbox. The car isn't as spacious as the Octavia inside, but it feels more premium, with digital instruments on most trims and a large infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Examples of all these economical diesel cars can be found on the largest website for cars in Bulgaria - mobile.bg