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That was my understanding.
However, I think one of the big issues for areas where the vehicles don't get up to decent speeds regularly is that all the various pollution reduction devices cease to function properly.
That's why things like ULEZs are important imo. So hopefully soon commercial vehicles in urban areas will all be electric and diesel will just be for motorways and fast A-roads.
hugo7-
I just want a more definitive answer.
To me, it sounds like having a small petrol/electric/hybrid for short urban journeys, and a diesel for long journeys is what you want. Driving a big diesel estate or van around for short trips is clearly a bad idea. But I also can’t pack loads of stuff into a Nissan Leaf and drive up to Scotland in it. I can just about manage this in the Jazz, but it’s no mile muncher, especially when fully laden.I’m never going to be able to afford a car from new, but I’d quite like to try and make fairly conscious decisions about vehicle usage. My e46 2l diesel is clearly a big dirty lump, and our 1.4l petrol jazz is pretty good for urban usage. Looking forward, the Jazz will probably be replaced in the next 5 years, and same goes for the e46 if we get hit with ULEZ. We need a family car that can haul lots of stuff and is happy on the motorway, and my wife needs something for getting around during the daytime.
So while everyone just flat out says “diesel, no matter how modern, is bad” it makes me wonder what a sensible choice is, especially if you factor in usage. Ie is diesel still seen as awful if it only gets used for long distance driving.
It feels like current models on the market are fairly lean on petrol estates (which is what I imagine I’ll be replacing my e46 with 5 years from now).While on the flip side, I’m hoping I can cycle my new commute if I get the job.
Nef
Are modern diesels still really bad for PM2.5 and other emissions, euro 6 and DPF etc still not up to scratch? Is the greater MPG and stuff seen as insignificant compared to the air pollutants?