What are the most powerful diseasal superminis?

[VeeFource]

I remember SEAT's previous generation Cupra diesel putting out about 160bhp, but they must've decided this was excessive as the later ones are 140bhp.

Got me pondering what the suggestions would be for the most powerful diseasal superminis of recent years as I might be in the market and wondered if there may lurk a hidden gem..

[Jonny_]

Fiat used to put the 130bhp 1.9 diesel engine in the Punto. Fabia VRS had the same numbers from it's VAG TDi engine. The many variants of MINI Cooper SD have a 140bhp BMW diesel.

They're the only other moderately potent diesel superminis I can think of, quite a way short of that 160bhp Seat though.

[PaulGT3]

Toyota Auris SR - 180 bhp

[itz_baseline]

PaulGT3 said:

Toyota Auris SR - 180 bhp

I believe that is 180ps so 174bhp....but it's still on top....

[Faxo]

Audi A1 2.0TDi is 143hp, or 180 with a tuning box like mine was

[nottyash]

VeeFource said:

I remember SEAT's previous generation Cupra diesel putting out about 160bhp, but they must've decided this was excessive as the later ones are 140bhp.

Got me pondering what the suggestions would be for the most powerful diseasal superminis of recent years as I might be in the market and wondered if there may lurk a hidden gem..

Nothing to do with it.
The 160bhp was a 1.9 PD engine, its now a 2.0 and tweeked for emmisions etc.
They do a 170bhp version of that 2.0 but its not in the Ibiza.

I had a Fabia VRS 1.9 diesel back in 2005. 130bhp standard, but mine was over 190bhp. Fantastic performance, but really struggles with traction in wet weather.

[Rickyy]

itz_baseline said:

PaulGT3 said:

Toyota Auris SR - 180 bhp

I believe that is 180ps so 174bhp....but it's still on top....

Not really a supermini though is it?

[McFarnsworth]

Alfa 147 1.9jtd with 150hp, or is that not supermini enough?

[kieranblenk]

PaulGT3 said:

Toyota Auris SR - 180 bhp

I might be mistaken, but isn't the Auris a compact family car rather than a supermini? ie it's Golf sized instead of Corsa sized?

Speaking of Corsa's, they do a 1.7CDTI 130bhp model, I think the aforementioned A1 2.0 TDI is currently top along with the Mini Cooper SD and SEAT Ibiza 2.0 TDI FR (all 141bhp), most seem to top out at 110ish bhp.

[VeeFource]

PaulGT3 said:

Toyota Auris SR - 180 bhp

Hmmm, an intriguing and non-obvious alternative choice!

Knew I could count on PHers for some good suggestions, cheers

[Rickyy]

VeeFource said:

PaulGT3 said:

Toyota Auris SR - 180 bhp

Hmmm, an intriguing and non-obvious alternative choice!

Knew I could count on PHers for some good suggestions, cheers

If you count the Auris as a supermini, then the BMW 123D has over 200BHP IIRC!

[McFarnsworth]

PaulGT3 said:

Toyota Auris SR - 180 bhp

If we're counting Golf/Astra/... sized cars, BMW do a 215bhp diesel 1-series.

[ModernAndy]

BMW 123D if it was a little bit smaller. Maybe they'll put the same engine in the zero series?

Volvo C30 D5 would be my bet although it is technically a coupe.

[VeeFource]

Rickyy said:

VeeFource said:

PaulGT3 said:

Toyota Auris SR - 180 bhp

Hmmm, an intriguing and non-obvious alternative choice!

Knew I could count on PHers for some good suggestions, cheers

If you count the Auris as a supermini, then the BMW 123D has over 200BHP IIRC!

The Auris is a little on the large side but the 1 series certainly isn't supermini priced unfortunately. The 123D's is awesome though and is certainly on the horizon once I've saved up enough through having the supermini

[ModernAndy]

If you're just after something small and cheap (and very cheap to run- ignoring the fact that many diesels have big repair bills) but with reasonable enough power, I'd go for a Clio 1.5 DCi 100. 100bhp and 60ish mpg for around a grand.

[Rickyy]

What about a 120D. Has just shy of 170bhp, I think and would probably be a much better drive than the Toyota.

[David87]

The MINI Cooper SD goes quite well. ~140bhp 2.0-litre unit out of the 118d.

[VeeFource]

ModernAndy said:

If you're just after something small and cheap (and very cheap to run- ignoring the fact that many diesels have big repair bills) but with reasonable enough power, I'd go for a Clio 1.5 DCi 100. 100bhp and 60ish mpg for around a grand.

That is pretty cheap, had a clio when I was younger and just couldn't get comfortable so possibly not the best option given my mileage might be going up a lot.

Wish I wasn't so into my cars and could be happy with a boring econobox.. actually no I don't. Doing the what car thing is quite fun as long as I get it right!

[ModernAndy]

Now that I've had some time to reflect on the C30 D5, I think it could be rather good if you have to have a diesel. Should be good for over 200 bhp with a remap. I declare myself the winner [begin flaming now...]

[VeeFource]

ModernAndy said:

Now that I've had some time to reflect on the C30 D5, I think it could be rather good if you have to have a diesel. Should be good for over 200 bhp with a remap. I declare myself the winner [begin flaming now...]

Sorry for the bit of a delay responding to this, I always get there in the end though :P

Another good alternative choice however at 1475kg it's a bit out of supermini featherweight territory. I like the idea of a 5 cyclinder, just a shame it doesn't handle the best according to tests.