DIESEL CARS

The increasing popularity of the diesel-engined car in the UK has been truly remarkable. In 1983, just 24,486 took to the road - a mere 1.37 per cent of all new car registrations. A decade later, the figure had risen to 340,472, a total which itself was more than twice the level of sales two years previously. Today, diesel is an alternative that no new car buyer can ignore.

There are several reasons for this surge in popularity;

1. The design and performance of diesel engines has progressed well beyond those days when they were synonymous with unpleasant rattling noises, smoke and sluggish acceleration.



2. Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than petrol and it is possible to cover up to 30 per cent more miles on a gallon of fuel.



3. Diesel engines are more durable and reliable, often running 150,000 miles or more without major overhaul.



4. Because of their economy (less CO2) and because of their more complete combustion, they are less polluting in many respects, than petrol engines. To meet present regulations, they do not need catalytic converters - though many now have them.



Obviously, such features appeal to operators of large business fleets. Extra mpg and slightly cheaper fuel alone can save many thousands of pounds on a large fleet. The savings also help to compensate for the higher costs of purchasing diesel vehicles and the more frequent servicing requirements.



The diesel engine first appeared commercially about 100 years ago. In Britain, it now powers virtually all heavy trucks, buses and co...