First post for me although have been an avid reader for many years.

I live in Spain and the time is coming to change the old Xsara Picasso 2.0HDi, probably for a C3 Picasso 110HDi. I like the way a diesel engine drives and diesel is cheaper here in Spain than in U.K. The question is does the warmer climate have any affect on the regeneration cycle of the almost inevitable DPF/FAP ? The engine reaches operating temperature very quickly, so for most of the year (it can be very cold in winter here, even on the mediterranean coast) the exhaust will be operating at a much higher temperature than in U.K. I do reasonable length runs and because of the relatively low traffic density it is easy to maintain speeds of 90/100kph on "A" roads and the occasional "Italian tune-up" doesn´t seem to generate much black stuff from the exhaust. The alternative seems to be to go for a lower powered version which currently does not have the dreaded filter fitted. I realise that this could a "how long is a piece of string" type question but any relevant advice will be much appreciated.