Can you recommend a good diesel car for motorway journeys?

I’m considering changing our 2009 Ford Focus 1.8, which is still running well with 70,000 miles on the clock. It’s used as the second family car mainly for local journeys of 15 to 20 miles but we also use it for long motorway trips. My only dislike about the Focus is that it requires revs in excess of 4000 to cruise along motorways and, for this reason, I’m considering changing to a diesel. We like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 the diesel Focus. I'd appreciate your comments on any models you think I should consider.

Asked on 20 March 2020 by bullsgreen

Answered by Andrew Brady

A diesel makes sense for long motorway journeys but it might suffer from issues related to a blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF) if it's mainly used for local journeys. If you do buy a diesel, make sure you regularly drive it on the motorway for a good half an hour or so to clear out the DPF. All the cars you've mentioned are good options. We'd also recommend a Skoda Octavia - it's a very practical choice and represents good value for money.

Tags: short journeys petrol or diesel? dpf issues

Similar questions

Will short journeys in a diesel car cause issues?

I have a 2014 Mercedes SLK diesel roadster. Will making multiple short journeys of 5-10 miles cause a problem with the exhaust system? If so, would some longer or faster journeys prevent the problem? If...

We aren't using our diesel car enough during lockdown. Can we do anything to prolong the time before problems start?

We have a BMW X3 diesel, which we have had for five years. It's a 2012 model with 65,000 miles on the clock. Understandably, we have only done 3000 miles this year, mostly short trips and are quite obviously...

Should I keep my diesel car if my mileage has dropped?

I own a diesel 2015 BMW 5 Series estate with 51,000 miles - which I love. However, since retiring, my mileage is very low. A pre-owned 5 Series PHEV is frankly too expensive for me now. What would you...

Related models

Honda Civic (2017 - 2021)

Bigger than previous Civic, independent rear suspension means better ride and handling, 1.0 VTEC turbo petrol is excellent while i-DTEC diesel is very refined.

Mazda 3 (2019 on)

Looks great in hatchback and saloon form. Premium interior with excellent standard specification. Fun to drive with excellent manual and automatic gearboxes.

Ford Focus (2018 on)

Cheaper to buy and better equipped than outgoing Focus. Improved ride quality. Larger cabin. 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Skoda Octavia (2020 on)

Extremely comfortable with excellent ride quality. Great practicality and a large boot. Even better quality inside than its predecessor. Impressive all-rounder.