Andrew Koch compares and contrasts three diesels, all priced at $27,900.
Diesel-powered cars may still be something of a rarity in Australia, taking up a small percentage of the million-plus cars that were sold in Australia last year, but this percentage is getting larger. As Aussies look for more fuel efficient modes of transport, the number of diesel cars sold each year is almost doubling.
The diesel smell and noise combined with the fact that you used to have the share the same fuel pump as an 18-wheeler and that in general diesels have a $5,000-$7,000 premium above their petrol counterparts have all contributed to lacklustre sales in the past. But times are changing, and with noise in the main no longer an issue, service stations are now catering for diesel cars and price parity is getting closer.
With about half of all VW Golf’s sold in Australia sold as diesel, we look first at the 1.9-litre Golf TDi; followed by Ford’s first diesel passenger car in Australia, the Ford Focus 2.0-litre TCDi hatch; and Renault’s new addition to their Megane line-up, the Megane 1.9-litre, dCi sedan. Each of these is roughly $2000 below the Astra CDTi and as much as $2500 below the price of the Mazda3.
All three are European imports at this stage, with Ford talking about producing the next generation Focus, including the diesel, here in Australia in 2011. All have a similar engine capacity, but kilowatt output and torque differ. The 1.9-litre Golf outputs the least amount of power with 77kW and has a torque of 250Nm. The Ford, on the other hand, generates the most power and torque with 100kW and 320Nm, though it is a 2.0-litre. The Renault sits in the middle with 300Nm of torque and 96kW of power.
Volkswagen’s Golf V arrived at just the right moment in 2004 to capture an emerging local interest in turbo-diesel passenger cars. Rather than a solitary model loitering at the edge of the line-up, VW offers two totally different engines and several equipment levels. The 2.0-litre diesel Golf is available in a 103kw and a 125kW variant but at a $4500 and $7500 price increase, respectively.
This 1.9-litre turbo-diesel Trendline model is the starter pack. The engine is the older of the two, with a 5.5 L/100 km fuel consumption average. The 1.9-litre shows its age by being noisy at start-up and when cold, but it pulls strongly from idle with little hint of turbo-lag and progresses smoothly all the way to 4500 rpm. It is flexible enough to almost slow down to a jog in second or third gear while still pulling away without a change. The engine is allied to either a six-speed manual or the $2300 optional twin-clutch DSG automated-manual. This provides pretty smooth auto gear changes and is even more impressive when the driver selects the change points. Being an entry-level model, the Trendline is not flush with standard equipment, but includes dual front, front-side and curtain airbags, ABS, traction control, air-conditioning and remote central locking.
Ford isn’t the first mainstream arrival on the Australian turbo-diesel passenger car market, but the price of the new Focus TDCi hatchback will make an impact. The Ford makes do with a six-speed manual transmission at this stage.
The TDCi’s 2.0-litre engine has an over boost function that adds an extra 20 Nm to the 320 Nm peak during hard acceleration. Fuel economy is claimed to be at 5.6 L/100 km. On the road, it is a smooth, quiet and enjoyable drive, the car has a refined gear change and its steering is precise and nicely weighted. The handling and road holding of the new Focus are exceptional with little body roll around corners. The TDCi is specified to the same level as the LX petrol-engine Focus, which means a single-CD player, air-conditioning, cruise control, cloth trim and 16-inch alloy wheels are standard.
With its focus on safety, comfort and economy, Renault’s turbo-diesel Megane 1.9 dCi makes a lot of sense. If you are looking for something a little different than the German and Japanese offerings, the Megane offers that unique French flavour.
Unfortunately, the idiot who drove the car before me filled the car up with petrol so there was still an annoying petrol smell lingering in the car from the service guys having to drain the tank. The large letters DIESEL next to the fuel cap, mean just that! While I didn’t get to drive the car as much as I would have liked, what driving I had was enjoyable.
The Megane is available in a 6-speed manual and for an extra $2500, an auto. Floor it at low revs in a high gear and some turbo lag is apparent, but for the most part it responds as promptly as you could wish. Renault claims a frugal 5.8 L/100 km economy for the six-speed manual, which will give you more than 1000 kilometres from the 60-litre tank. It has the full safety kit, with twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS (with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist) and stability/traction control all standard.
The VW Golf offers a spacious and comfortable choice with German reliability and build, but the engine is becoming a little dated and for the price, the list of standard features is small. The Ford Focus has those reassuring Focus dynamics and plenty of space, but there is not an auto option. Last, but not least, the Renault offers safety, comfort and economy with a French flavour; but one questions whether reliability be an issue if the past is anything to go by.
