7 Diesel cars you can buy new for less than R 300 000
After a brief spike in popularity over the last two decades, diesel cars have quietly been fading from the new-car price lists. It’s now reached the point where the vast majority of new diesel-powered vehicles are bakkies, SUVs and high-end sedans, while diesel power in budget-conscious offerings are gradually being phased out. There are still some lower-priced diesels on the market, though, and we’ve combed the lists to find those new and used diesels on offer.
There are many reasons to prefer driving a diesel, and fuel economy is only one of them. Some drivers prefer the low-revving power delivery of diesel engines, while others actually like the sound of a diesel (yes, there are people out there with this preference. Don’t judge...) But the main drawcard of a modern turbodiesel is the mountain of torque they generate from low engine speeds. This makes for impressive driveability (once the turbo is boosting), and gives an effortless feel to the driving experience.
New cars
Within our R 300 000 budget cap, most of the diesel vehicles on the new-car market can be found in commercial vehicles. This gives you a surprisingly wide choice of cheap diesels, although many of the vehicles to which they’re fitted (as well as the engines themselves) are low-tech, dated imports from the Far East. There are some Ford Rangers, Fiat Fullbacks and Isuzu D-Maxes around that price point as well, but most of the contenders come from India or China. On the upside, you can even get a cheap(ish) double cab bakkie at that price...
We’ll ignore those for the moment, however, and rather concentrate on passenger vehicles. Interestingly enough, 2 of the 7 passenger cars below the R 300 000 mark are SUVs or crossovers, but there are two sedans in the mix as well. Taking them from least- to most expensive:
1. Mahindra KUV100 Nxt 1.2 D75
It makes sense that Mahindra’s cheapest car will also have the cheapest diesel option if you want something vaguely car-like. It’s not pretty and it’s very slow, but the Mahindra KUV100 Nxt D75 is very economical, even if it’s not really suited to freeway cruising – there’s only 57 kW under the bonnet, after all. Available in two trim levels, the D75 can be had in mid-spec K6+ specification, or in high-spec K8 form, for R 208 999 and R 224 999 respectively.
Next up is another relatively inexpensive Mahindra, but this time with up to 7 seats. The TUV300 is a rugged little thing, with a sturdy ladder-frame chassis, but it’s neither quick nor refined. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbodiesel with 74 kW and 240 Nm on tap, so it’s not entirely hopeless on the freeway, and at R 244 999, it’s pretty decent value.
3. Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente
Ford’s popular EcoSport is a pretty decent buy, with a list price of R 273 700, and its 74 kW/205 Nm engine is proven to be frugal and dependable. It also has all the other EcoSport virtues, such as good cabin space, a decent specification level and a comfortable ride quality to add to its benefit of low fuel consumption.
This newcomer has all the makings of becoming a sales hit, given its modern design, good specification level, great handling and potent engine. In W6 trim, it loses a few airbags and some of the cabin’s nicer toys to the top-trim (but much more expensive) W8 variant, but it’s priced within spitting distance of the EcoSport at R 274 999. It’s a class leader in terms of power outputs, with 86 kW and 300 Nm, and its 6-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to use.
5. Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.5TDI Comfortline
While this Polo is still based upon the older-generation platform (as also used in the current Polo Vivo), it’s the least-expensive diesel sedan currently on the market. With 81 kW and 250 Nm on tap, it’s reasonably powerful as well, and in Comfortline trim, most of the modern convenience items are included in its list price of R 284 900. Combine traditional TDI frugality with its spacious cabin and large boot, and this becomes an enticing family car in its own right.
6. Fiat Tipo Sedan 1.3 MultiJet Easy
With identical pricing to the Polo sedan but much more cabin space, the Fiat Tipo is an off-beat choice with its own appeal. In fact, this might just be the best Tipo of them all, because its turbodiesel torque alleviates much of the criticism levelled against its petrol-powered stablemates. 70 kW and 200 Nm isn’t exactly firecracker material, but it’s a lot more agreeable than its rather weak-kneed petrol siblings can offer. R 284 900 will be enough to net you this Italian charmer.
7. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad
Powered by Renault’s well-respected K9K 1.5-litre turbodiesel, the Duster performs surprisingly well on road, given its modest outputs of 66 kW and 210 Nm. It’s also famously fuel-efficient, but at its price of R 293 900, you won’t get all-wheel drive in the bargain. TechRoad specification includes such niceties as automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with standard navigation, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Used cars
Going the pre-owned route instead of choosing a new car opens up plenty of exciting alternatives. We searched AutoTrader for diesels in the most popular body styles, and came up with some nearly-new examples.
Hatchbacks:
As one of the few compact hatchbacks still offered with diesel power, the Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi stands out as a particularly enticing option. Prices range between R 130 000 and R 297 900, but most low-mileage, late-model examples are generally priced close to the R 200 000 mark, and makes for very good and economical budget-conscious used-car shopping.
Sedans:
Rather than settling for a new compact sedan, you might be drawn to a low-mileage premium-branded sedan. Those are admittedly scarce within our budget constraints, but there are a few BMW 320d’s listed on AutoTrader. If the potential running costs scare you off, you could always get an almost new Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D for similar money, and enjoy superb, economical service for years to come.
Crossovers or SUVs:
Maybe that EcoSport we talked about earlier suits your needs, but you want to pay even less? Well, low-mileage examples start at about R 160 000 on AutoTrader, so you can save quite a bit by going the pre-owned route. Other late-model SUVs in this price range includes the Hyundai Creta, Nissan X-Trail, or Peugeot 2008 – all of which cost considerably more when buying new.
Buying a decent, affordable diesel car is getting difficult, but it’s still far from impossible. New or used, the joys of diesel driving can be accessed within a tight budget, and that’s exactly how those value-conscious long-distance travellers prefer it!
Related Reading:
Everything you've been wondering about the Mahindra XUV300, explained in one article.
The lowdown on the latest Hyundai Creta can be found here.
We've tested the Renault Duster TechRoad, and came away impressed.
Ford's EcoSport is popular for very good reasons...
Find out why we prefer the Fiat Tipo with a diesel engine here.