Vauxhall Adam to give diesels a longer run for their money
Posted by Jodie Crowther on Wednesday, 18 Jul 2012, 16:27 in Automotive Industry
Vauxhall has announced details of its newest vehicle, which industry commentators say will help build a stronger case to show cars with petrol engines are offering increasingly better value for money. A version of the Vauxhall Adam with a three cylinder, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is expected to be released in 2013. It will be capable of producing the same power as a regular 1.6-litre petrol engine, but with carbon emissions of less than 110g/km. Writing in the Mirror newspaper, motoring journalist Richard Hammond said it is these new petrol engines that are taking on diesels in the value stakes, ensuring diesel drivers have to cover a considerable amount of mileage every year to make their investment worthwhile over the long-term. New research by consumer magazine Which? has claimed that petrol models often work out to be better value than diesel cars. The organisation looked at six popular vehicles and found that while fuel costs might be cheaper for consumers with diesel versions, for drivers covering a typical annual mileage it could take up to 14 years to recoup the initial premium paid for a diesel model. Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which?, said: "Diesel cars are known for their fuel efficiency, but with lower pump prices for petrol and a premium price tag for diesel cars, it may make more financial sense for families to go for the petrol version."
