VAG - Diesels are a no go in small cars

[Dutch77]

Worth pointing out the differences between Australia and say Germany (as a European proxy) on pricing too:

Sydney average ULP price $1.57/litre
Sydney average diesel price $1.54/litre

Variance $0.03/litre or 2%

Germany average ULP price $2.34/litre
Germany average diesel price $2.06/litre

Variance $0.28/litre or 12%

(note: average prices from NRMA Sydney and petrol1.de Germany for example purposes only)

Either way, on a small car where as Andrew Burns pointed out above, the variance between petrol and diesel is minimal the cost effectiveness is well in favour of petrol. It's really only going to make sense where there is a significant discrepancy between economy of the petrol and the diesel - read SUV or large sedans - or the price disparity returns between the fuel types.

[Tom87]

the increased service cost of modern diesel engines prevents me from having the desire to own them out of warranty.

common rail injectors are not cheap. my last car which had an italian diesel engine but used Bosch fuel injection system had injectors worth about $500aud each at best (more from the dealer/local distribution network, up around $800 each).

[Transporter]

the increased service cost of modern diesel engines prevents me from having the desire to own them out of warranty.

However the servicing cost of VAG TDI compared to VAG TSI should be similar no platinum spark plugs and no ignition coils to fail/replace in TDI which more than compensate for slightly more expensive TDI fuel filter compared to TSI fuel filter. Actually, the TSI engine could cost you more to service.

...and as tigger73 said, if you replace your car early after the 3 years manufacturer warranty is over, the TDI could still save you money on fuel cost and on servicing.

[pologti18t]

...and as tigger73 said, if you replace your car early after the 3 years manufacturer warranty is over, the TDI could still save you money on fuel cost and on servicing.

You just have to work out if the extra $$ to buy one (2000-2500) can be offset with fuel savings.
The other point is driveability. The modern VW TSI engine are much smoother and quieter than the diesel offerings.

[AndrewBurns]

Assuming a 0.5l/100km saving for the tdi over the tsi, diesel being 0.03c/liter cheaper and a $2000 premium for the diesel version over the petrol it would take 133000km for the diesel to break even. That's probably a best case scenario for the diesel too.

[Transporter]

Assuming a 0.5l/100km saving for the tdi over the tsi, diesel being 0.03c/liter cheaper and a $2000 premium for the diesel version over the petrol it would take 133000km for the diesel to break even. That's probably a best case scenario for the diesel too.

I seriously doubt that there is 0.5L/100km difference when driven in the city, where most people live and drive. More like 3-4L/100km difference in the first 10km in the morning or during day in bumper to bumper traffic. But, you don't have to believe, which is fine.

[wai]

And another thing, it will only be a matter of time before all petrol grades end up with ethanol in them. Not a problem if you only fill up where it is available. Once out of the metro regions you get standard ULP and this burns differently to ethanol blends.

[singlespeed]

You just have to work out if the extra $$ to buy one (2000-2500) can be offset with fuel savings.
The other point is driveability. The modern VW TSI engine are much smoother and quieter than the diesel offerings.

The engine is inaudible, even on cold starts, and the TDI is one of the smoothest engines going, and a better drive with the high torque.


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[Idle]

Agree about the high torque — loads and hills just don't exist with the diesel, but mine's very definitely audible (and feelable) at start, idle and most built-up area speeds.

Nice and quiet when highway cruising, tho'.


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