Should I buy a petrol or a diesel?

I have been driving a diesel-engined car for almost 10 years and, although I don't do high mileage any more, I am still potentially interested in staying with a diesel engine.

Recently you sung the praises of the Honda 1.6 iDTEC engine, so I went to take a look at the current Civic with a view to buying one. I asked the salesman about problems with DPFs. He responded that this was not an issue for Honda vehicles because they have an alternative way of regenerating the filter - and he pointed to a component on the rear quarter panel of the Civic. Is this true or salesman's baloney?

Asked on 15 December 2012 by DW, Knutsford

Answered by Honest John

Only one report so far about DPFs failing on a Civic 2.2 iDTEC and the engine sump filling up with diesel oil. The new 120PS 1.6 iDTEC emits just 94g/km CO2 with the car on 16-inch wheels and is EC certified at 78.5mpg combined. It promises a lot. That little stick-on strip has an important aerodynamic effect that reduce s CO2.

Tags: dpf life dpf petrol or diesel?

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