small diesel engines Page 8

Small diesel engines are the trusty workhorses of the engine world, packing torque-rich performance into compact packages perfect for light vehicles and machinery. They typically range in displacement from around 1.0 to 2.5 litres and offer excellent fuel efficiency, often delivering fuel consumption figures as low as 4-6 L/100 km depending on application.

Expect robust build quality and longevity, but also the usual suspects of diesel quirks—turbo lag and a bit of noise that petrol engines smugly avoid. For Australians looking to buy, new small diesels can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000 AUD in vehicles, while used options on Tradingpost or CarShowroom might be far kinder on your wallet.

Check official specs for exact figures, but small diesel engines remain a fine choice if you value economy and durability over outright zip.