I am just about to trade in my Hyundai Tucson for a new ix35 1.7 CRDi and am trying to get best advice about whether to get a diesel car. I’ve never driven a diesel before, but I was attracted to the reviews and car magazine information about the 1.7 CRDi. However, I’m a bit concerned about the current and possible future problems that there may be regarding the DPF (diesel particulate filter) issues and possible loss of future value etc., and am going round in circles about which car to choose. Although the dealer assures me that Hyundai do not have any DPF issues with their new cars, and that it would be covered under the warranty anyway, I do not do a high mileage (7,000 maximum a year) and wonder would a 1.6-litre petrol be the way to go, or would the engine be too light for the reasonably heavy car? I have tested two diesels and I appreciate the slight difference in driving technique and would really appreciate some independent, professional advice.
Bryan Taylor

The present anti-diesel campaigning is not really valid Bryan, and I think it will lose momentum. I’m also not sure that writing for “Diesel Car” my advice is truly independent! But looking at what’s for sale on Auto Trader in terms of used cars, it would appear that the sales split is 90 per cent diesel, 10 per cent petrol, which possibly says something in itself – although I’m not sure what! Maybe just that nine out of ten cats prefer diesel? Or maybe it suggests that only one in ten cats looking for a used ix35 is looking for a diesel. Or does it mean that people with petrol ix35s keep them and don’t sell them? You tell me!

Unfortunately, the petrol engine is not turbocharged, which, if fitted, would give it more torque, rather than its rather wimpy 122lb ft at 4,850rpm. Have you compared the GFV (guaranteed future value at end of a PCP finance deal) for the 1.6 petrol and the diesel? The “money in the pocket” at the end of a PCP is often something of an illusion, although most people are fooled by being given a part exchange value in excess of the GFV against a new car, without realising (or knowing) that the new car is available vastly discounted, and they are adding the discount to the GFV! Aside from my pro-diesel prejudices though, I’m just not keen on the idea of a low-torque 1.6-litre petrol engine with just a five-speed gearbox. I think it’s in your hands Brian, and I’ve done my best to give you as balanced a picture as I can. Good luck with your choice,
Doc Diesel