Contrary to popular belief, diesel cars are not disappearing from the market. They continue to attract those who drive a lot and are looking for the best balance between price and fuel efficiency. Even in 2026, automakers are in no rush to phase out diesel engines completely, offering buyers interesting and affordable options. In this review — ten models that stand out among rivals for their price and practicality.
Commercial vans are not included, as they traditionally come with diesel engines and are aimed at professionals. Here, we’re focusing solely on passenger cars suitable for everyday use and family trips.
Budget options
The Fiat Tipo holds its ground thanks to a streamlined lineup: now only the sedan version is available, featuring a single 1.6 Multijet diesel engine (130 hp), manual transmission, and front-wheel drive. Average fuel consumption is 4.6 liters per 100 km, CO2 emissions — 120 g/km. Price — 18,164 euros.
The previous generation Renault Clio can still be found at dealer stock, though new versions are no longer available with diesel. Under the hood: a 1.5-liter engine with 100 hp, manual transmission, 0–100 km/h in 11.4 seconds, top speed — 188 km/h. Consumption — 4.1 l/100 km, emissions — 109 g/km. Price — 21,214 euros.
Compact class
Seat León remains one of the few compact cars still offering diesel engines. Here you’ll find the 2.0 TDI with either 115 or 150 hp, depending on the configuration. The lower-powered model comes with a manual gearbox, the more powerful one with automatic. Fuel consumption — 4.6–4.7 l/100 km. Price — 23,182 euros.
Opel Astra, after the update, retains the 1.5 diesel engine (130 hp) with an automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is 4.8 L/100 km, emissions are 125 g/km. Price — €26,100.
The Ford Focus is gradually leaving the market but remains available with a 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engine (115 hp) and mild hybrid technology. It features an eight-speed automatic, accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.8 seconds, and consumes 5 L/100 km. Price — €28,421.
Mid-range segment
The Peugeot 308 is equipped with the same diesel engine as the Opel Astra: 1.5 liters, 130 hp, automatic transmission, front-wheel drive. The French version is slightly less efficient — 4.9 L/100 km, emissions 129 g/km. Price — €28,500.
Seat Ateca is a choice for SUV enthusiasts. Only the 2.0 TDI (150 hp) with DSG automatic is available here. Fuel consumption is 5.2 L/100 km. Price — €28,552.
The Volkswagen Golf offers two diesel versions: a 2.0 TDI with 116 hp and manual gearbox (4.3 L/100 km, 113 g/km) and a 150 hp engine with DSG automatic (4.5 L/100 km, 130 g/km). Price — €29,195.
Crossovers and wagons
Despite the update, the Volkswagen T-Roc is still available with a diesel engine. The base version features a 2.0 TDI with 116 hp, manual transmission, 4.8 L/100 km consumption, and 125 g/km emissions. The more powerful 150 hp version gets a DSG automatic, 5 L/100 km consumption, and 130 g/km emissions. Price — €29,860.
The Kia Sportage rounds out the selection. It’s the second car on the list with mild hybrid technology. It features a 1.6 CRDI engine (136 hp), manual gearbox, front-wheel drive, 5.1 L/100 km consumption, and 132 g/km emissions. The price is €35,280, noticeably higher than the other contenders.
In case you didn’t know, the Fiat brand is owned by the Stellantis group, which also includes Peugeot, Opel, and Citroën. Renault is one of the largest car manufacturers in France, while Seat and Volkswagen are part of the German Volkswagen Group. The Ford Focus is produced at plants across Europe and is popular among European drivers. Kia is a South Korean company actively developing hybrid and electric technologies. All of these brands have a long history and an extensive dealer network in Spain and throughout Europe.
