Which diesel MPV for short trips?

I am looking to replace my car with a MPV. The two options I am considering are the Ford Grand C-Max 1.6 Ecoboost petrol or the 2012 Renault Grand Scenic 1.6dCI 130. My main concern with the Renault is the DPF. My car journeys usually last a mile or two to the shops twice a week with the occasional long journey of 200 miles every few months. I have heard that the new Renault diesel engine warms up faster but will these short journeys be sufficient to clear the DPF or will I have to go on 40mph trips just to clean the filter?

Asked on 8 November 2012 by JM, via email

Answered by Honest John

The Renault 1.6dCI 130 is the most advanced small diesel engine in the world and Renault has applied F1 technology to enable the engine to warm up quickly with no DPF or EGR problems. You stand a better chance with that than with any other diesel engine. But the Mazda 5 1.6dTS2 is more comfortable and a much nicer car to drive.

Tags: mpvs buying an mpv dpf diesels

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