diesel v petrol low mileage

Your article titled “Mazda, of all he surveys” in the 22-Mar Telegraph recommended the Mazda3 Skyactiv diesel to someone doing 6,000 miles per annum, “mostly short journeys”. You say that they should not have any DPF problems.

I do 9,000 miles per annum, mostly short, including daily short trips under 1 mile, frequent 10 mile trips but rarely any trips over 30 miles. I’m looking at the Mazda 3 2.0 165 bhp petrol for its performance, but the downside is the loss of comfort with the mandatory 18” wheels on this model.

I prefer the way diesels drive, but have avoided them up to now because of the DPF and clutch reliability issues. I’m aware that the economics favour petrol on my mileage.

The Mazda3 Skyactiv diesel appeals, because of its higher torque rating and I can buy it on 16” wheels improving comfort. Am I likely to suffer DPF problems on my mileage?

Asked on 22 March 2014 by redsalmon

Answered by Honest John
I don't think so because the design of the engine means that very little soot is created on start up and the manifold in head configuration means that the DPF gets hot and clears quickly. I did 14,000 miles in 10 months in a Mazda 6 Skyactiv 2.2d 150 with absolutely no sign of any DPF trouble.
Tags: buying dpf
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