SecondHandSense:IN MOTORING terms, economies of scale suggest diesel cars – even small ones – require high mileage to justify the price. However, as smaller diesels become more efficient, have lower emissions and prices are more competitive, margins have narrowed – especially in the second-hand segment.
Finding a good small diesel is not quite as easy as finding a petrol equivalent. While companies like Citroën and Peugeot have been way ahead in diesel technology, others lag behind. Even Toyota, which has a diesel version of the popular Yaris, has not yet managed the refinement of some competitors.
The Yaris diesel provides impressive economy and motoring. Last year it came first in the British Fleet World MPG Marathon with 89.66 miles to the gallon over a 400-mile course. But one has to be very circumspect about such achievements; the average motorist will get nowhere near this figure.
The Yaris has been around since 1999 but diesel is a relatively new power source for it. The 1.4 D4D engine has an output of 90hp, fine for a car of its size. If you live in the city and have lower mileage, petrol still makes more sense. But many in this country have mixed requirements – not quite in the sticks but with higher annual mileage than suburban commuters.
The main cause for complaint with the diesel is the clatter. It is a small car – fine for a small family – but not as refined as it should be. But accept the diesel thrum and you will enjoy well over 50 MPG, excellent reliability, comfort even for tall drivers and passengers and a car to hang on to for as long as you can.
The interior is smarter than many competitors, and use of plastics lightened by faux silver panelling. Rear seats fold flat, split and slide. It is clever, allowing it to punch above its weight.
It has an impressive maximum five-star EuroNCAP rating and excellent reliability. You get twin airbags, ABS and brake force distribution as standard. The 2006 model is the better option – longer, wider and taller.
A 2005 diesel with almost 100,000km is €7,950, while a 2007 with lots of equipment and 47,000km is €12,995. These prices could be bettered for a cash deal.
STAR RATING: 7/10