Hot Hatch: Diesel or Petrol?
Does economy give an edge over tradition? What does this mean for the sports segment?
As environmental pressure continue to press the government harder and harder, we see increased regulation in nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Fuel prices are on the rise, and many are looking to diesel power to get around every day. With figures of over 60mpg, the temptation is certainly there, but surely there must be drawbacks, otherwise we'd all be driving them.
Many say that diesels do not have a place in the performance scene. This is likely the kind of outdated thinking that prevents diesels from selling in the United states; the perception of diesels being noisy, smelly, slow, loud, and a general pain in the ass. This is true... well it was at least, around 20 years ago. With the adaptation of a modern turbocharger, nearly all of these problems are under control now, and automakers are looking to diesel engines due to their potential to pack a punch and sip fuel.
But its not all bad, as companies shift towards efficient engines, diesel power might be our saving grace as driving enthusiasts. No, seriously.
But its not all bad, as auto companies shift towards efficient engines, diesel power might be our saving grace as driving enthusiasts. No, seriously. Diesel engines make low end torque much earlier than petrol engines, although at the cost of a lower redline. Low-end torque is what we look for when on a test drive, whether we know it or not. This makes for a spirited driving experience, and makes a car feel quicker and punchier. Thanks to the advancement of the modern twin-scroll turbocharger, turbo-lag is more a thing of the past than today. Even Vauxhalls diesel hot hatch, the Astra Bi-turbo has a twin turbo induction setup to make up for the small engine displacement. Thankfully, there exists another option for those who are concerned with cutting fuel costs.
Petrol vs Diesel Hot Hatches
So what does the market have to offer? Well if you live in the United States you pretty much have only a few petrol options to choose from (thanks VW) and might as well read other consumer chat. While limited, you still have a few decent options to choose from if you want a sporty hatchback at a reasonable price. For the sake of completeness, lets look at four best-selling petrol hatches with a comparative diesel counterpart.
Volkswagen Golf R (USA)
One of the most powerful 4 cylinders available.
Clocking in at 288 horsepower, the Golf R is more than enough sport for the average buyer to handle, especially when it weighs just 3300lbs. Sensibility is a plus, too, with plenty of cargo space (22.8-57.2 cubic feet). The R has always been praised for its precision, handling, clever AWD system and lighting quick dual clutch transmission. If the manual is for you though, of course a 6 speed is available. Get ready to pick up an extra shift or tow, because the 2019 Golf R starts at a whopping MSRP of $40,395. Still, it is a lot of car for the money. MPG averages well for its segment, at 23/30. Built for the autobahn, ready to go.
Volkswagen Golf GTD
Golf GTD has not sold nearly as well as its brothers, the GTI and GTD
Sure, you might be thinking that the GTD is more accurately compared with the GTI, rather than the R. This is 100% true, but I would not be the first person to compare the two. For the sake of originality, they're still very comparable in terms of size, handling, and even features and price. Most importantly, they're both very close in value. The GTD offers plenty of torque (280lb-ft), which is arguably more important than horsepower for the hot hatch segment. So if you want a decent 0-60 time but also want 60mpg, consider the Golf GTD. Even though the manual transmission is discontinued, its still a great buy.
Honda Civic Type R
"They just didn't know when to stop designing the thing" -Jeremy Clarkson
Ever since the Type R made a comeback a few years ago, everyone has been talking about it. It is the fastest FWD vehicle in the world by Nurburgring lap time, and still offers decent value at a high price point. Relatively, the Type R scored well compared to other hot hatches and even won several Motortrend awards. The styling is an acquired taste, very noisy and extra where some prefer a more toned-down look. The turbocharged 4 cylinder offers plenty of power, 205 horses to be exact. Comparitively, the Type R does lack power but makes up for it with its lightweight build. MPG is averaged at 22/28.
Mini Cooper SD
A fair competition for the Civic Type R
Even though the tame Mini Cooper SD does not look like fair competition for the Civic type R, both being on the more affordable size and sharing nearly the same displacement. They also have something else in common, a very grippy FWD experience. Both the Mini and the Civic keep weight down without the addition of AWD, and manage the handling tradeoff by weight management. The 170hp, 225lb-ft torque little 4 cylinder propels the SD to 60mph in the mid to high 7 seconds range. Light, nimble, and quick, the Mini Cooper SD still achieves a cool 67 MPG.
SEAT Leon Cupra 300
Basically a better dressed GTI
The SEAT brand operates under the Volkswagen Group, which is a very good thing in this case. The Leon Cupra is essentially a Golf GTI, so its got plenty of that hot hatch blood in its veins, and can deliver a quick torque-y experience that will get you to 60mph in under 6 seconds but also allowing you to cruise an average of up to 40mpg. Slightly less powerful than the GTI, but you can get the Cupra R, and guarantee yourself to turn some heads with its sharp styling.
SEAT Leon SC FR TDI
Creds: swycar.com
Again, if the Golf just feels a little too basic, SEAT has another offering for the more economically-minded driver, borrowing the paralleled powerplant from the Golf GTD this time. With 181 horses and 280 lb-ft of torque, this sporty little hatch will get you to 60 in just around 7.5 seconds, while returning an economy of near 60 mpg with the dual clutch gearbox. Option for the FR badge, and you get plenty of sporty touches, including wheels, trim, and sport stitching. A little less expensive than its German cousin, the Leon TDI starts at just around 26,000 quid. Along with all the value, you get the same 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.
Ford Focus ST
Screaming orange, quite loud
The Focus ST has made a respectable splash in the hot hatch market, especially when you consider that the Americans don't really have a whole lot of business in the competitive Euro hot hatch market. The ST, however, is quite a good little car. It made a great first impression with its turbocharged engine now producing 280 horsepower, +30 from the previous focus. As a result, a new sub-seven (6.5) second 0-60mph time. Its a darn shame that the US market will be missing out on this treasure. Fuel consumption is at an estimated 27mpg.
Ford Focus ST TDCi
Nearly identical to its petrol counterpart.
Even Ford has realized the potential for a performance diesel market, and have watched their European competitors downsize their hefty engines, even making the complete switch to diesel in the case of Audi's Performance division (S-line). The ST TDCi carries on with the success of its gasoline-powered twin in a near identical style, with the only obvious exterior changes being the badging. However, almost 300 lb-ft of torque shoots the Focus to 60mph in just a "meh" 8.1 seconds. So it may not be as fast as the petrol ST, but it makes respectable numbers. Driver and owner reports say that it feels quicker than it is on paper. This is likely due to low end torque around 2000 rpms making for a spirited drive. The 2.0L diesel makes for a good commuter, though, returning an average fuel consumption of over 65mpg. Sure, in a straight line, the petrol hatch would win by margins. But for daily driving, the diesel may be more suited for your needs as a commuter at only a slightly noticeable compromise for fun.
Honorable mentions
If you live in Europe, you have plenty of other sensible and sporty choices. While we only looked at 4 comparisons, several others deserve consideration such as: Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo 160, BMW 1 series diesel, Peugeot 308 GT BlueHDi 180, Mazda 3 hatch 2.2d, Mercedes A220d.
What would you choose? Efficient and torque-y diesel, or the hotter petrol powered hatch? Tell us in the comments below!
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Comments (1)
I chose the gasoline version for a few reason. Diesels are expensive to repair and the price of diesel fuel is higher. Also, the cost to insure is higher along with the purchase price.