Diesel Cars Explained

 For motorists who are environmentally conscious, and for those that only do short journeys, diesel cars have declined in popularity in recent years, particularly with initiatives such as ULEZ being in place around London, and a boom in the choice of electric vehicles on the market. 

However, whilst diesel cars are still available to buy new until 2030, they still have their place on the roads, and thanks to the hard work put in by manufacturers, new models meet the emission standards required to minimise their carbon footprint. 

Diesel engines explained

Historically, diesel vehicles have been the car of choice for those covering lots of mileage, as diesel engines on average use 15-20% less fuel than cars powered by petrol, making them a more economical option. However, older models have come under scrutiny for their environmental impact, due to the emission of nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases. These cars are still penalised by clean air initiatives, but their modern counterparts have been drastically improved by manufacturers to ensure they do their bit to tackle climate change. 

How have diesel cars improved? 

Believe it or not, diesel engines have improved in recent years, and it’s still possible to find economical models that don’t cause as much harm to the planet as they used to. Cars nowadays, and by that we mean ones built after 2015, are built to Euro 6 standards, which means that they emit around a third of the NOx and a fifth of the particulates of a car built before 2009.​

Diesel cars actually use less fuel and emit on average 20% less CO2, meaning they are still more efficient than their petrol equivalents. They also have advanced filter systems, with diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction systems which reduce emissions.

Why choose a diesel car? 

When considering the fuel type of your next vehicle, it’s important to take into account the kind of driving you’ll be doing. Diesel often offers unrivalled fuel economy, which means that if you do long-distance driving, and particularly if motorways are part of your commute, you’d be wise to consider a diesel vehicle. 

If you’re a frequent city driver, with low mileage on the clock and shorter journeys to complete, you’re likely to be better off with a petrol car, particularly when it comes to paying at the pumps. 

Find your next diesel vehicle at EMG 

New diesel cars are cleaner than ever, with all new cars meeting strict emission requirements, including tests that are carried out under real driving conditions before leaving the manufacturer. At EMG, we’re well placed to help you find the right diesel car in East Anglia, whether it’s a brand new model, or something from our Approved Used stock. Don't be put off, your next diesel car could be more economical and environmentally friendly than you think.