We’re getting on a treat with our long-term Honda CR-V diesel, which has been proving its worth with editor-at-large Guy Bird and his family.
But there is still a hardcore of car buyers who won’t buy a diesel either because they don’t do the mileage that merits the extra cost or just because they don’t like the smell when refuelling.
Petrol versus diesel for the CR-V is a close run thing. Running costs are fractionally more for those doing 20,000 miles a year with the petrol coming in at 38.8ppm against the diesel’s 38.3p. However, the diesel list price is a hefty £1230 more (the petrol has a £23,272 P11D figure), and with the petrol coming in just 1% higher for tax at 25% BIK, it beats the diesel – just.
Verdict: Go for the diesel if you’re a high miler, but otherwise the petrol’s a winner.