Although diesel is generally associated with economy and endurance rather than performance, some manufacturers have dared to create sports models powered by diesel engines. Discover these 5 sporty diesel cars that have shaken up preconceived ideas.
Ford Focus ST: diesel makes its way into sporty compacts
A few years ago, Ford offered a diesel version of its Focus ST:
Although slightly less efficient than its petrol sister, this diesel Focus ST offered very respectable performance for a sports compact.
Peugeot RCZ: the French diesel coupe
The Peugeot RCZ, a 2+2 coupe with an assertive style, is also available in a diesel version:
This version offered an interesting compromise between style, performance and economy at the pump.
Volkswagen Golf GTD: the diesel GTI version
The latest Golf GTD, launched in 2020, was the most powerful in the model's history:
This Golf GTD proved that sportiness and diesel could go well together, even in a compact.
Bentley Bentayga Diesel: luxury at high speed
The first diesel model in Bentley's history, the Bentayga Diesel borrowed its mechanics from the Audi SQ7 TDI:
This luxury SUV demonstrated that performance and refinement could be combined with a diesel engine.
Porsche Panamera 4S Diesel: the pinnacle of sports diesel
The Porsche Panamera is also available in a diesel version, with a particularly impressive model:
This Panamera 4S Diesel was the most powerful diesel ever produced by Porsche, combining high-level performance and controlled consumption.
These five models prove that diesel has, for a time, been able to enter the world of sports cars with original and high-performance offerings. Although this trend is now in decline in the face of the increasing electrification of the automobile fleet, these vehicles remain fascinating witnesses of an era when diesel sought to find a place in all niches of the automobile market.
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