In 2015 Volkswagen was embroiled in an emission violation scandal we now know as Dieselgate or Emissiongate. The EPA found evidence that the German automaker had intentionally cheated to pass US standards during regulatory testing. It had costly consequences for VW Group, and the brand had to kill their TDI engine in the USA.
Then in 2018, they had another scandal, Monkeygate, where they reportedly experimented on monkeys in May 2015 to prove that diesel exhaust gases weren’t harmful to primates. It did spell the end of VW diesel in North America but not the rest of the world. Volkswagen diesel cars remain popular in Europe, and the Wolfsburg marquee isn’t ready to ditch the engine yet.
Besides the scandals, Volkswagen has produced some rad diesel-propelled cars that strike a perfect balance between performance and fuel economy. Their first Turbocharged Direct Injection diesel engine came in the 1989 Audi 100 TDI. Many hold some iterations like the inline-four 1.9-liter ALH TDI engines in high regard as genuine million-mile motors. Here are Volkswagen diesel cars every gearhead should drive.
10 Volkswagen Sportwagen Golf TDI
The Golf is an iconic nameplate and a fan favorite among compact haulers. VW offered the car with a diesel engine in the Golf TDI trim for a while. The highlight version came with the MK7 generation but lasted only one year, halted by Dieselgate. It featured a 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline-4 pushing 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a powerful and efficient ride.
Long-term reviews overwhelmingly point to solid build quality, excellent drive experience, and sufficient power when needed. Also, consumption is low, with cars consistently returning over 35 mpg in mixed driving.
9 Volkswagen New Bettle
The original Beetle followed the Ford Model T and was the world’s bestselling car with 21 million copies until the Toyota Corolla overtook it. Any self-respecting car enthusiast knows about this iconic car. But the modern iteration of the German classic was a different animal and wasn’t a hit like its predecessor. It featured a front-mounted engine, the 1.9-liter ALH Diesel engine, which powered the Jetta and the Golf between 1998 and 2006. Many consider it among the best diesel engines that can survive with zero maintenance.
The 1.9-liter inline-4 direct-injected turbocharged motors were reliable and had terrific fuel economy. Today you will find these cars on the road clocking over 500,000 miles on the odometer.
8 Volkswagen Touran
Volkswagen has produced the Touran since 2003 and comes with a characteristically intelligent selection of Wolfsburg’s excellent, efficient turbocharged engines and smooth transmissions. It sits below the larger Multivan in VW’s lineup but comes with plenty of space and a comfortable riding experience.
While the new model only ships with petrol engines, the previous models came with 1.6 and 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine options. In 2005 ‘What Car?’ named it the Compact Van of the Year, and it has consistently received a five-star in the Euro NCAP crash safety ratings.
7 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The 2015 MK7 Golf Sportwagen TDI gets all the diesel plaudits thanks to the Golf moniker. That means the Jetta from the same year flies criminally under the radar because it offers excellent value in the TDI market and even has a big shout for the best TDI ever made. Coming in the sixth generation Jetta in 2011, VW wanted to build a sub-$17,000 car, but it was a quality disaster. But they fixed all flaws by the time the 2015 model rolled out of the factory.
It was highly aerodynamic, which significantly improved fuel economy in highway driving. The diesel engine on the 2015 Jetta was easy on the gas and easily returned 50 mpg in manual versions.
6 Volkswagen Touareg R50 TDI
Diesel and high performance rarely mix, but the Touareg V10 TDI is a notable exception. The R50 was a tuned version of the Volkswagen’s luxury 4×4 which helped put Sport back into SUV with stomping performance, comfortable and luxurious interior, and stand-out exterior styling. It featured the same 5.0-liter V10 TDI in the standard Touareg but increased power from 310 hp to 350 hp.
Add the 625 lb-ft of torque available at only 2000 rpm, and you had a beast that could pull hard and fast. It is one of the most potent diesel-powered cars, just behind its cousin, the Audi V12 TDI.
5 Volkswagen Phaeton
This month, Volkswagen unveiled a redesigned Phaeton successor that never was to celebrate 20 years of the brand’s first luxury saloon car. It was car targeting individualists, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs. It shared the same underpinning with the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur to provide excellent comfort, high-tech features, and impeccable build quality in a confident and calm package.
While the engine of choice was the 6.0-liter W12 gasoline engine, Volkswagen offered two diesel engine options, the 3.0-liter V6 TDI and the monster 5.0-liter V10 TDI. The V10 was so smooth that besides the low redline, you couldn’t tell compression instead of sparks-assisted propulsion.
4 Volkswagen Amarok
The newly revealed 2023 Volkswagen Amarok comes with strong Ford roots thanks to the vital underpinning it shares with the Ford Ranger. For instance, both cars feature the Ford T6 platform, transmissions, and four-wheel-drive systems. But our focus is on the diesel powerplant options available with the truck.
A smaller but efficient 2.0-liter Turbo Diesel making 148 hp or 168 hp serves the African markets. The 3.0-liter V6 TDI serves markets that need more punch with a thrilling 268 hp on Overboost.
3 Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen brings the production of the saloon Passat to an end after 2022. Although it isn’t the prettiest car in the rich lineup, it offers one of the best values for money. While the last iteration ships with one engine option, the 2.0-liter inline-4, previous models came with diesel engines until Dieselgate hit home. The B6 generation Passat with the multi-valve 2.0-liter TDI is one of the most sought-after versions in the European used car market.
Volkswagen has announced an all-new Passat, which comes in a bulkier eHybrid wagon format. Reportedly, they will bring the turbodiesel engines back to the model, which is worth checking out.
2 Volkswagen Polo TDI
The Volkswagen Polo is top of the market’s list regarding compact, affordable hatchbacks. It offers a classier, highly refined, and comfier tiny family car featuring a sleek cabin, plenty of boot space, and a smooth ride. While it isn’t as fun or exciting as its Golf sibling, the Polo is much easier to live with, thanks to its high efficiency.
Engine options include a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine and the 1.6-liter diesel returning an incredible 60 mpg.
1 Volkswagen Tiguan
Upon its debut, the Tiguan wasted no time becoming a best-selling SUV, and the latest generation just took sales beyond the 4 million mark. American fans have a reason to smile after Volkswagen announced plans for a hotter and more powerful Tiguan variant.
Crossovers are the go-to vehicles at the moment, and the next-gen Tiguan will capitalize on the current model’s lively handling, well-mannered ride, and practicality. Meanwhile, the diesel-powered Tiguan is worth checking out. The 2.0-liter TDI suits the Tiguan and effortlessly copes with its weight.
