Are small diesel engines suitable for short commutes on a daily basis?

I'm thinking of purchasing a 2010 SEAT Ibiza 1.2 or 1.4 diesel for a five mile daily commute. Is this a sensible choice or should I consider a petrol engine instead?

Which cars use the Volvo 5-cylinder diesel engine?

I recently test-drove a Volvo V40 with the 5-cylinder diesel engine. It was great, but just a bit small for us. Could you tell me which other cars of any make use this 5-cylinder engine, which I found...

Is the Fiat diesel engine fitted to the Suzuki Swift reliable?

Pleased to hear the Suzuki Swift 1.3 diesel has a chain driven camshaft. Apart from the DPF issue would you say the Fiat engine built in India is a reliable one? As good as a Mercedes-Benz diesel? I currently...

DPF problems - on all cars?

You often point out the problems of failing DPFs on higher mileage diesels, especially in Volkswagen models. Does the same apply across all manufacturers - my daughter is looking to buy a large second...

Which car do you recommend for short journeys with good load space and comfort?

My wife and I are in our eighties and have been happy with our now 4-year-old Golf Plus (total miles 20,000) and much older Nissan Micra, both owned from new. However, we don’t need two cars any longer...

Should we buy a diesel for shorter journeys?

We will be replacing our 2004 Focus 1.8 diesel shortly. The new car will start off as my husband’s car so needs to fit a set of golf clubs and an electric trolley in the boot. He works part-time, his journeys...

Can you answer my technical questions on diesel engines?

I have a few queries on diesel cars that I would be grateful for your advice on. 1. With regards to the diesel particulate burning cycle, what is the effect on mpg (and approximate quantity of fuel used)...

What causes common turbo failures on the Audi A6 diesel?

Against repeated advice in your column I decided to continue running my gorgeous Audi A6 diesel estate car beyond the three-year warranty period. 18 months later and just a couple of miles after the car...

Should I buy a new Avensis or the Mazda 6 Tourer?

The time has come for me to think about changing my present vehicle, a 2009 Toyota Avensis D-4D 2.2 Tourer. Although the Avensis has had a fairly recent facelift I can’t help wondering how long it will...

Is the KIA cee'd Sportswagon suitable for low mileage driving?

I was looking to buy a KIA Sportswagon, but am disappointed to find it is only offered in the UK with a diesel engine. I wanted a petrol fuelled car as I only travel 6000 miles per year. The KIA rep tells...