Petrol cars 'more popular that diesel'

Date: 25/5/2011

Cars that run on petrol are more popular with consumers than those powered by diesel, new research has revealed.

According to a study conducted by Populus on behalf of ContractHireAndLeasing.com, when asked what fuel type they would select when they next came to change their motor, 35 per cent of respondents cited petrol compared to 25 per cent who listed diesel.

Meanwhile, ten per cent noted they would consider a hybrid, while only two per cent would look for a car powered by electricity.

The group stated that while diesel vehicles tend to boast stronger efficiency than the petrol equivalent, the rising cost of this fuel may be to blame for the drop off in demand.

Spokesman for ContractHireAndLeasing.com Richard Lawton suggested that registrations of diesel motors with fleet buyers and business car users may have accounted for some of the demand.

"Private buyers have shown that they still prefer petrol; for its lower pence-per-litre cost, suitability to smaller cars and the quietness of petrol engines," he adds.

According to car price firm CAP, recent advances in the technology behind small petrol engines have meant the vehicles enjoy increased performance, teamed with more miles to the gallon.

Posted by Nick Anderson