Is a diesel Land Rover Evoque inappropriate for short urban journeys?

We are considering buying a new Evoque, but virtually all are diesels and we are concerned about the particulate filters. We do many short local journeys in built up areas, and only occasionally and mainly in the summer do we use motorways. The local dealer has given us a JLR leaflet specifically on the DPF which implies that it would be our fault if the DPF fills up and advises that we should then take the car out, get the engine warm and then travel 45-70mph for at least 20 minutes. In other words we are expected to make unnecessary fuel wasting journeys that negates the reason for buying a diesel in the first place. Is there any prospect of an efficient petrol engine becoming available for the Evoque? Or should we forget this model? We are also considering the new Lexus IS300h, which will be available soon.

Asked on 8 June 2013 by CT, via email

Answered by Honest John
You're right. The diesel Evoque is inappropriate for your needs. You could go for the powerful petrol turbo Evoque that has the same engine as the Focus ST, or wait while JLR develops some new four-cylinder petrol engines. The Lexus IS300h makes massive sense at under 100g/km (so no annual tax), but it's a car I have yet to drive.
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