As the price gap between the two fuels continues to increase, diesel drivers must pile on the miles to avoid footing higher bills. Diesels command a premium price from new, and cash-strapped drivers should think carefully before ditching their petrol cars to save money.
We pitted six popular diesel city cars against their similar-sized petrol siblings to see how many miles it takes to get the extra cash back through fewer trips to refuel – some will take over ten years and one never recoups the initial outlay.
All figures are based on an average mileage of 10,000 miles per year. Those who cover higher mileages stand to get to the break-even point more quickly.
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Fiat 500 |
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| 1.3 Multijet Pop 3d | 1.2 Pop 3d | ||
| £9495 | £8095 | ||
| 67mpg | 55mpg | ||
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Based on average mileage, Fiat 500 drivers need sixteen years to reap the rewards of the diesel model.|
Citroen C1 (05 on) |
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| 1.4 HDi Rhythm | 1.0i Rhythm | ||
| £9220 | £8230 | ||
| 67mpg | 61mpg | ||
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The diesel C1 never pays for itself as it costs more per mile to fuel and never catches its £990 premium up.
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Vauxhall Corsa (06 on)
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| 1.3 CDTi (90ps) SXi 3d | 1.2i 16V SXi 3d | ||
| £12,235 | £10,945 | ||
| 58mpg | 46mpg | ||
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The 1.3 CDTi would take more than nine years before it paid owners back for its £1290 higher price tag.
| Honda Civic Hatchback (06 on) | Review | ||||||
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| Mitsubishi Colt (04 on) | Review | ||||||
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| Nissan Micra (03 on) | Review | ||||||
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