Model overview

• Ford Focus TDCi hatch six-speed sequential – $29,790
• Hyundai i30 SLX CRDi hatch four-speed automatic – $28,390
• Mazda3 MZR-CD hatch six-speed manual – $29,230
• Peugeot 308 1.6 XS HDi EGC hatch six-speed sequential – $29,990

As Australian motorists have searched for more fuel-efficient vehicles over the past couple of years, two markets have increased considerably in popularity: small cars, and diesels. Unsurprisingly, combining the two gives you some of the most practical, affordable and environmentally friendly motoring available. Small cars made up 40 percent of the passenger car market in 2010 (excluding SUVs), up more than two percent compared with 2008. Similarly, diesels now account for one in every 13 passenger cars sold, up from around one in every 17 sold in 2008.

This comparison puts the four small diesel hatches available under $30,000 in Australia up against each other. (Keen observers of the market will note the Volkswagen Golf 77TDI is not included. This is because Volkswagen Australia no longer offers the five-speed manual variant as of the 2011 Model Year, meaning the most inexpensive diesel-powered Golf now comes with the seven-speed DSG transmission and a $31,190 pricetag, blowing this comparison’s $30k cap.) Each variant under the spotlight here is the model closest to the price limit, meaning there is just a $1600 difference between the cheapest car (Hyundai i30 SLX CRDi) and the most expensive (Peugeot 308 1.6 XS HDi).

Sales-wise, the Mazda3 is the popular choice, with 39,003 sold in total in 2010 (all models, not just diesel). The i30 is the bolter in the group – with 29,772 units in 2010, its sales and market share have almost tripled since 2008. The 308 sells in much lower numbers than the others, and suffered a further hit last year. Sales dropped more than 500 units to 2827 for the past 12 months. The story is even bleaker for the Focus, which has fallen from the heights of more than 15,000 sales in 2008 to less than 10,000 in 2010.

But sales figures only tell you what other people are buying. To find out which small sub-$30,000 diesel hatch is the one for you, the following comparison will help.

Engine and performance

If you’re looking for a diesel that doesn’t make sacrifices in performance, the Mazda3 is your best option. It is equipped with the largest engine of the lot, and even has more power than the 2.0-litre petrol unit also offered in the Mazda3 range. At 110kW of power and 360Nm of torque, it is 10kW/40Nm clear of its closest rival, the Focus, and a noticeable 28kW/90Nm beyond the 308. Those looking for a sporting drive will be content with the six-speed manual transmission, although those hoping for a self-shifter continue to be disappointed, with no automatic option available for the Mazda3 MZR-CD. Opting for a manual in the Focus TDCi (six-speed) and the Hyundai SLX CRDi (five-speed) shaves $2000 off the price, while for the manual Peugeot 1.6 XS HDi (six-speed) the saving is $1000.

Fuel consumption and emissions

Exterior and dimensions

The standout again in terms of dimensions is the 308. Not only is it 50kg lighter than the i30 and almost 100kg lighter than the Focus and Mazda3, is luggage capacity is in a completely different class. Behind the rear seats, it offers 45 litres more space than the Ford and a whopping 90 litres more than both the Hyundai and the Mazda. The only slight trade-off is that the Peugeot is also the tallest of the bunch, being the only one measuring over 1.5m, although aesthetically it does not look out of place. For those looking for a little extra shoulder room, the Focus is the widest of the group, spreading 8.4cm further across than the Mazda3.

All four hatches have front fog lights and body-coloured door handles and side mirrors. The Peugeot is the only one to miss out on 16-inch alloy wheels, and is forced to make do with smaller 15-inch steels instead. It does include a full-size spare wheel, however, a feature matched only by the Hyundai (an important consideration for long-distance drivers and regional owners.) The Ford and the Mazda both have temporary space savers.

The Mazda3 diesel distinguishes itself from the cheaper models in the range and the other vehicles compared here with the addition of sporty side skirts and LED taillights.

Interior and equipment

Each vehicle has its own individual comfort and convenience features, but in terms of the best overall package, the Mazda takes the honours, closely followed by the Hyundai.

All four vehicles come standard with cruise control, CD player, 12-volt power supply, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat.

The Peugeot gets one-touch electric windows, cruise control with speed limiter, air-conditioned glove box, aluminium-finished door handles, charcoal odour filter, pollen filter, and a removable security cover in the boot. Its audio/communications system is the poorest of the lot, coming with only a radio and CD player, and the remote audio controls are mounted on the steering column rather than the steering wheel.

On top of the 308, the other three all feature an AUX audio jack, Bluetooth hands-free and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls.

The Ford gets one-touch up and down electric windows with anti-trap feature, a USB audio port and eight speakers. It is the only one to offer iPod integration via USB. The Hyundai requires an $11 cable to make this happen, while the Mazda only offers Bluetooth integration.

The Hyundai and the Mazda make do with six speakers, but both add Bluetooth audio streaming, air-conditioned glove box, pollen filter and a leather-wrapped gear knob. The Hyundai gets a USB audio port, one-touch triple turn signal, leather seat inserts, chrome door handles, alloy sports pedals and automatic climate control. In place of those extra features, the Mazda includes satellite navigation, six-disc in-dash CD player and dual-zone automatic climate control, which alone almost justify the $840 price premium over the i30.

Safety

Long gone are the days of worrying about the safety of small cars. All four vehicles have earned the coveted five-star safety rating under either ANCAP (Australian) or Euro NCAP safety tests.

All four are fitted standard with six airbags (front, side and curtain), as well as electronic stability program, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, brake assist, traction control and seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats.

Warranty and servicing

Conclusion

The 2011 Ford Focus TDCi is the car for you if:

• You want a convincing all-rounder with European build quality
• You want a little more interior space than a Mazda3
• You don’t mind missing out on best-in-class fuel economy
• You need a maximum power output with three figures rather than two
• You can never have too many speakers (best audio of the four)
• You don’t mind swimming against the tide when many other Australians are deserting the Focus

The 2011 Hyundai i30 SLX CRDi is the car for you if:

• You want the most affordable small diesel hatch you can get your hands on
• You prefer the security of a five-year/unlimited km warranty
• You need plenty of audio and interior features, plus the security of a full-size spare alloy wheel
• You can live with the marginally higher fuel consumption and emissions (at least when equipped with the automatic transmission)
• You’re not put off by the four-speed automatic transmission or the comparatively small torque figure

The 2011 Mazda3 MZR-CD is the car for you if:

• You want a cheap small diesel hatch and petrol-rivaling performance
• You can’t live without satellite navigation or other interior and audio gadgets
• You want a sportier looking car than the rest
• You don’t mind the compact packaging and the smaller boot
• You’re not allergic to changing gears manually

The 2011 Peugeot 308 1.6 XS HDi is the car for you if:

• You want the most economical and lowest emitting small sub-$30,000 diesel hatch in Australia
• You are prepared to sacrifice some engine performance
• You have a lot of luggage to cart around
• You can live without alloy wheels and 21^st century interior and audio technology
• You have a few extra dollars to spend initially
• You want to stand out from the crowd