?koda's entry in the petrol v. diesel debate
Škoda' introduced a Fabia Hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show, and the cleanest versions of this new addition to the Škoda lineup emit just 120 g/km. As expected, Škoda is offering the Fabia Hatchback with both diesel and petrol engines. Why do automakers, European automakers in particular, offer two types of engines? Choice is the obvious free market answer, and to help consumers make better decisions, Škoda released a little petrol versus diesel cheat sheet, which I'd added after the break. There's nothing groundbreaking in the arguments (petrol is often cheaper, has fewer toxic emissions; but modern diesels are clean and quiet, and diesel fuel gives more mpg), but it's concise and will probably be helpful to some people.
What I'm more interested in is your opinions. My family drives a petrol/gasoline car, but now and again I consider buying a diesel next (if we need to replace the Civic before the WhiteStar or a sweet diesel-hybrid is available). This is mostly because I'd like to get in on biodiesel. But, because I don't expect to make the switch for a few years, I haven't made any decisions yet. What about you? What do you drive? Why? Are you thinking of switching? Vote in the poll and then take it away in the comments.
[Source: Škoda]
PETROL v DIESEL
Fuel costs are the second largest consideration in a car's whole-life cost calculation after depreciation, accounting for some 30 per cent of the total over a given mileage. Therefore, it is paramount that company car drivers choose a vehicle – and fuel – that works to get the most from their money.
To address this thorny issue, Skoda has provided a series of guidelines for drivers to refer to when choosing a new vehicle. Martin Burke, Head of Business Sales for Skoda UK, comments: "Despite the onset of biofuel, most people still only consider the two serious challengers: petrol or diesel. This comprehensive set of guidelines sets out the benefits and downfalls of each, providing a vital tool for fleet managers and company car drivers alike."
The case for petrol
Put simply, petrol is cheaper than diesel in a number of areas. Firstly, the initial purchase price of the fuel is significantly less than its rival. In addition to this, drivers of petrol cars can enjoy cheaper road tax as it has fewer toxic emissions, meaning it also boasts a cleaner engine. However, most importantly for many, petrol vehicles also have a lower acquisition price.
Petrol cars also need less oil changes and are better for both extreme performance and stop-start journeys such as being stuck in traffic.
The case for diesel
So, it's an open-shut case then, judging from the reasons above? After all, cheaper fuel, acquisition and road tax in exchange for better performance look impossible to better. However, in 2005, diesel took a record share of the market – 45 per cent of all vehicles. Such models get bad press for being noisy, smelly and slow off the mark. However, nowadays, they start faster, and are quieter and smoother than ever before.
Diesel cars also provide significantly more miles to the gallon than their competitor and are best for frequent short journeys where the engine barely warms up. Company car drivers should note that
diesel vehicles cost less in company car tax, while bosses will be glad to learn that they are more effective for medium and high mileage fleets.
In spite of their generally higher acquisition pieces, diesel-fuelled vehicles sell for more and also comprise a strong fuel economy and low benefit in kind tax thanks to reduced emissions.
Martin Burke continues: "It is clear from looking at the case for each, that there is no categorical right or wrong choice. Drivers must ask themselves which would better suit their circumstance. For someone travelling a relatively low annual mileage, a petrol-fuelled vehicle is clearly the better option. However, for drivers racking up a medium to high number of miles will be pleasantly surprised by the miles to the gallon a diesel provides."
Skoda is an expert on issues affecting the business sales industry, with a total fleet share of 1.27% after securing a number of high profile clients, including IKEA, Marie Curie, Mencap and Caterham Cars. It is aiming is to grow its share of the business sales market by offering fleet managers and company car drivers alike its legendary 'extra bit of car' for their money.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nils 2:30PM (3/10/2007)
Diesel engines are not better for short trips as mentioned wrongly. This is because they take longer to reach their ideal working temperature (typically about 10 kms) and while being cold they burn the fuel inefficiently and are dirty. Today's lowest fuel prices in my area in Europe: petrol: 1,30€/liter (5$/gal) and diesel: 0,89€/liter (3,40$/gal). I don't know about the USA but here in Europe diesel is always cheaper. Maybe diesel prices are kept high in the states for other reasons? Production of diesel fuel is cheaper tough. I drive a diesel and i got used to the high torque and really began to love it. When I drive a petrol in the city it feels sluggish. Diesel is way more fun to drive at low to mid-speeds where you can take full advantage of it's torque-curve. I can't wait to buy my new car in a year or two, it will be a hybrid-diesel from PSA emmitting only 90g/km and having full EV capability. Probably gonna do a Plug-in conversion on it and maybe a B100 or veggie-oil conversion as well, gas prices will tell...
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Der Alte 3:27PM (3/10/2007)
I live in Canada and drive a gasoline 03 Corolla. The fuel economy between the Corolla and its closest diesel counterpart the Jetta TDI is only within 1 l/100 kms. The Jetta however costs at least $10,000 CDN more to purchase though, even more if you want stuff like leather. True, the Jetta is a bit bigger than the Corolla and a bit nicer....but not so much that I can justify the price difference. Fuel savings on the diesel will definitely not make up the price difference given the distance I drive.
Last year I shopped around. A new Jetta TDI with sunroof and leather was going to set me back around $35k CDN. A used fully loaded 03 Corolla LE with sunroof and leather was available for $14,400 CDN. Jetta TDIs do hold their value quite well, so a used example would only be a few thousand off of the brand new price. For me, the economics was no brainer. Corollas are built to last a very long time and should easily do 300k kms without a hitch, just like the Jetta.
As for fuel pricing, both diesel and gasoline cost the same per litre, at least in my part of the country. Diesel has held steady at $1 CDN per litre for awhile, gasoline seems to fluctuate in price a lot more than diesel does.
Would I consider diesel again? If we had more options for diesel vehicles, I imagine you might be able to have a more apples vs apples comparison to narrow down the price differences. If we ever get a Honda Civic diesel in Canada, I would strongly consider it and would be prepared to pay $2-3k more over a gasoline Civic.
There have been rumours of more diesel choice coming to Canada, but I'll believe it when I see it. Early indications is that diesel choice is coming mostly to the SUV market. The prospect for getting any diesel cars in the small to midsize category is still fairly slim.
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will 5:30AM (3/11/2007)
I drive a 7 year old 1.8 turbo diesel MK5 Ford Fiesta here in the UK. I consistently get 48mpg (I even kept a spreadsheet on it and the lowest was 46 and the highest 51mpg). Give me a 6th gear and I'm sure it would do more. The cost of diesel is about £0.90 per litre vs £0.84 for unleaded petrol. I'd say in terms of performance it's the equivalent of a 1.3/1.4 petrol but then this is a very old school engine, not much different to the one found in an early 80's Sierra. Refined it ain't! I'm sure modern diesels would be much better.
Although we didn't specifically choose the Fiesta (it was offered at a price we couldn't refuse when we desperately needed a new one) we decided a diesel was the only option for us as we do about 16,000 mostly motorway miles a year. Aside from an oil change and new filter it's been a years trouble free motoring. The only downside is that it's emissions are higher, tax is a little bit more and it's a MK5 Fiesta, therefore handles terribly! The way I see it, a Fiesta is not a car you primarily buy for speed or country lane fun, so if your typical journey consists of more than nipping down to the shops, diesel is the obvious choice.
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John Rowell 12:41PM (3/11/2007)
I drive a gasoline car, but at least it's a SULEV and gets good MPG. My next car will be electric :D
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Davy793 12:54PM (5/13/2007)
UK May 2007. Using as a guide a 1.6 diesel vs 1.6 petrol over 12000 miles and calculating that diesel and petrol are the price (which it is at the moment) the fuel savings is approx £1100 over 3 years. The extra you pay for a diesel is about £1000 and since you get a higher trade-in value for a diesel is the better buy at the moment.
I calculated this previously when diesel was a few pennies more expensive and the outcome was a break even.
At an average 12000 miles per annum the decision should be based on factors other than savings.
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