I am looking to buy a 2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4 but do not know whether to go for a Petrol or Diesel.

I currently travel about 12,000 miles a year but this is through commutes which are longer than 10 minutes (30min) and on country roads and dual carriageways. I also do a number of longer journeys during the year.

I have been happy my previous diesel ford focus but for the last 10years but I need a new car as the costs have now become more than the car is worth to repair.

My first choice was the diesel but I have concerns over the particulate filter and how long they take to before the regeneration process is needed. Can you get caught out if you went from a more long distance commute to shorter journeys for a short period of time?