We’ve compiled a series of articles dedicated to fuel efficiency because it’s one of the most important criteria to factor into your decision when looking to buy a new car. Here are the most fuel efficient diesel cars currently available in South Africa!
The most fuel efficient diesel cars in South Africa are well worth considering, if you can afford them! With fuel prices consistently on the rise in South Africa, new car buyers will be wise to place increasing emphasis on fuel efficiency when shopping for a new car.
Also see: Most Fuel Efficient Petrol Cars in SA (2025)
A fuel-efficient car will help you save money at the pumps over time and diesel cars are generally considered to be more frugal than their petrol-powered counterparts. The amount of fuel you save while driving will depend on a number of critical factors including your driving style, road conditions and mechanical condition of the car, to name a few. It is also worth noting that the list below is compiled based on manufacturer claimed fuel consumption figures and real-world consumption will vary.
Prices are accurate as of January 2025.
Most Fuel Efficient Diesel Cars in South Africa
1. Mercedes-Benz CLA 220d – 4.4 L/100km
The Mercedes-Benz CLA received a subtle facelift in 2023 and C220d is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 140 kW and 400 Nm with a fuel efficiency claim of 4.4 L/100km. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard. The CLA is offered in 2 trim guises including Progressive, priced from R969 256 and the AMG Line from R998 956.
Buy a Mercedes-Benz CLA on Cars.co.za
2. Mercedes-Benz A200d sedan – 4.5 L/100km
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz A200d sedan employs a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 110 kW and 320 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz claims 4.5 L/100km.
The A200d Progressive sedan is priced from R970 614 while pricing for the A200d AMG Line starts from R1 000 314.
Buy a used Mercedes-Benz A-Class on Cars.co.za
3. Mercedes-Benz C220d – 4.7 L/100km
Mercedes-Benz claims the third position on this list with its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine proving to be the most efficient, this time applied in the mild-hybrid C-Class sedan with 147 kW and 440 Nm and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine is said to return 4.7 L/100km.
Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220d starts from R1 134 587.
Also see: W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan (2014-2021) Buyer’s Guide
Buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class on Cars.co.za
4. BMW 2 Series 218d and 220d – 4.8L/100km
The new BMW 2 Series came to market in 2022 and the diesel-powered 218d and 220d are particularly efficient with BMW claiming 4.8L/100km.
The 2 Series can be had in either Gran coupe or Coupe guise and the 2.0-litre turbocharged 218d offers 110 kW and 350 Nm while the 220d offers 140 kW and 400 Nm. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing for the BMW 2 Series 218d Gran Coupe starts from R745 373 while the 220d Coupe is priced from R905 037.
Buy a BMW 2 Series on Cars.co.za
BMW 420d Coupe – 4.8 L/100km
The BMW 420d Coupe employs the same 140 kW / 400 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that’s found in the BMW 2 Series (see above) and it too is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 4 Series is offered as a Coupe, Gran Coupe or Convertible.
BMW claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.8 L/100km for the 420d Coupe (priced from R1 045 373) while the 420d Gran Coupe (priced from R1 046 044) claims 5 L/100km.
Buy a BMW 4 Series on Cars.co.za
Renault Duster 1.5 DCi Zen Automatic – 4.8 L/100km
An all-new Renault Duster is due to arrive in South Africa in coming weeks but the outgoing Duster is still listed for sale and the outgoing 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine has long been praised for its excellent fuel consumption and performance credentials. Power outputs for this engine are 80 kW and 250 Nm and Renault claims an impressive 4.8 L/100km when this engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic.
Pricing for the Renault Duster automatic starts from R451 999.
Buy a Renault Duster on Cars.co.za
BMW 3 Series 320d – 4.9 L/100km
An updated BMW 3 Series arrived in South Africa in October 2024 and the diesel-powered 320d delivers 140 kW and 400 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Note that this engine is also found in the BMW 2 Series and 4 Series (see above).
Pricing for the BMW 3 Series 320d starts from R960 877.
