Diesel is a dirty word these days. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that just 10 years ago, more than a third of the cars sold in the UK were diesels. Today, that figure is barely a tenth, and it continues to fall.
That crash in confidence can be, in part at least, ascribed to the mistaken belief that diesel cars are no longer allowed to be driven in town centres as a result of their high vehicle emissions. Many buyers now think all diesels are banned in clean air zones (CAZs) and London’s ultra low emission zone (ULEZ), or at least, that they’ll incur a hefty daily fee.
But that isn’t, in fact, the case. While it’s true that older diesels have been hit by the introduction of CAZ charges to try and improve air quality in various cities, most CAZs exempt more modern - and less polluting - diesel cars. In London, for example, and in many other cities, diesels that conform to the Euro 6 emissions standard (that basically means all diesels produced from late 2015 onwards) are permitted, and do not incur the daily charge.
In an effort to avoid driving a diesel in a city centre, many drivers are switching over to motorbikes, thirstier petrol cars, expensive hybrid cars, or even zero-emission plug-in electric vehicles. But they may not need to. Because you can still choose a diesel engine (and benefit from the excellent fuel economy such a thing brings) without ending up with a heavily polluting vehicle that incurs penalty charges.
So, if you’re labouring under the misapprehension that you can’t drive a diesel because you use a CAZ or the London ULEZ on a regular basis, think again: these cars - for a variety of budgets and some costing as little as £5,000 - will allow you to go about your daily driving without costly penalties, and they’ll save you money on fuel, too.
Best ULEZ-exempt diesel cars
- For £5,000
- For £10,000
- For £15,000
- For £25,000
- The best brand-new diesels
- Frequently Asked Questions
For £5,000
Ford Focus (2015-2018)
It’s hard to believe that you can no longer buy a brand-new Ford Focus in the UK, given what a popular car it’s always been. The good news is that older models of Focus are still widely available on the used market, and when fitted with the 1.5-litre diesel, they make a lot of sense. Granted, they aren’t as generously equipped as some rivals, but they’re roomy enough for most uses, comfortable on a long drive, and offer a fun driving experience, with plenty of feel and feedback through the steering. And examples registered after 2015 are compliant with the ULEZ standards, making them ideal if you need to drive in central London, or anywhere else with similar air pollution controls.
Ford Focus Review
Hyundai i30 (2015-2017)
You probably wouldn’t give these second-generation Hyundai i30s a second glance if you saw one on the street, but don’t dismiss them completely, because the i30 is a great choice for motorists on a budget. That’s principally because it’s proving to be a really hardy car, with almost no widespread serious issues and a top-notch reputation for reliability. Most versions are also pretty well equipped for the money; low-mileage examples are easy to come by, and the 1.6-litre diesel is exceptionally frugal. Granted, the i30 isn’t particularly exciting to drive, but it is comfortable enough, and almost as roomy as class-leading rivals like the VW Golf.
Hyundai i30 Review
For £10,000
Skoda Octavia (2015-2020)
You could have the Volkswagen Group’s tried-and-true 2.0-litre diesel engine in any number of models for this price, but for its combination of comfort, space and value, the Skoda Octavia is the best option, in our view. For its size, it’s immensely roomy inside, with a simply vast boot enabling you to carry as much stuff as you might need, and its gentle suspension making it an excellent motorway cruiser. The best part, though, is that you’ll get 65mpg out of one of these at cruising pace.
Skoda Octavia Review
Mazda CX-5 (2015-2017)
It isn’t a go-to choice for most people looking to buy a family-sized SUV, but the Mazda CX-5 probably should be. It boasts a winning combination of interior space, high equipment levels and impressive interior quality, and Mazda’s cars are renowned for their solid reliability, so a well-kept CX-5 should stay the course. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is frugal and powerful, meanwhile, but the real surprise is just how much fun to drive the CX-5 is, more so than any SUV has a right to be. Yet it still manages to retain excellent ride comfort on a long run. In other words, it’s a brilliant all-rounder. And buying one made after 2015 — easily do-able for this budget — ensures ULEZ compliance.
Mazda CX-5 Review
For £15,000
Honda Civic (2017-2022)
While the Honda Civic is usually to be found with a petrol engine, the last-generation model with the diesel engine is well worth having. For one thing, the 1.6-litre diesel lives up to the bulletproof reputation of Honda as a car manufacturer for dependability, making it one of the most reliable units of its type. For another, the Civic is hugely roomy for a family car, and its smart interior makes it rather a lovely place to spend time. A supple ride and engaging handling only add to its appeal, making this a great family car to own if you have to drive in the ULEZ zone.
Honda Civic Review
Skoda Superb (2015-2019)
What if you live in Greater London, or somewhere else that incurs an emissions charge, and need a really roomy car? Well, that’s where the Skoda Superb comes in. Even if you choose the hatchback model, the amount of boot- and rear-seat space you get is little short of remarkable. And if you upgrade to the estate version, things just get better, with a cavernous luggage area that truly will swallow almost any item of furniture you care to mention. But space isn’t all the Superb has to offer; its soft suspension means it gives a smooth ride, especially on the motorway, and when equipped with the 2.0-litre diesel engine, it’s particularly frugal: don’t be surprised if you notch up more than 60mpg on a long run.
Skoda Superb Review
For £25,000
Citroen C5 Aircross (2018-2025)
Buying a car that’s about to go out of production can be a savvy way to secure a real bargain, which is why choosing a Citroen C5 Aircross right now is such a good idea. It’s one of the few SUVs of its size still available to buy with a diesel engine, and this powerplant actually suits it better than the petrol or hybrid options on offer. And because diesel is so unpopular, the 1.5-litre diesel C5 Aircrosses look like stunning value on the used car market right now, with ex-demo and nearly new examples on offer within this budget. They’re great family SUVs, too, with flexible rear seats that can be slid, tilted and folded individually, and super-soft suspension that glosses over all but the sharpest bumps.
Citroën C5 Aircross Review
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2016-2024)
Fancy something a bit more upmarket? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can just about scrape into the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class for this budget. Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturers that pioneered diesel in its historic vehicles, so the E-Class’s 2.0-litre diesel comes with the benefit of all that experience. It’s a smooth unit backed up by an equally slick gearbox, and makes cruising along the South Circular in this plush limo feel like a breeze. Estate models are particularly comfortable, as they get air suspension as standard on the rear axle.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
The best brand-new diesels
Volkswagen Tiguan (2024-)
The thing about the Tiguan is that it’s about as exciting as buying a new pair of trousers. But sometimes you just need new trousers, and sometimes you just need a car like the Tiguan. This latest model is incredibly smooth to drive, pretty smartly styled, and gives you enough space inside to swing a cat – or a pair of chinos. Meanwhile, the boot is cavernous, and the sliding rear seats mean you can make it even larger, if you’ve got particularly carried away at Marks & Sparks. And with a diesel engine adding extra weight to its front end, the jiggliness over bumps that comes with a petrol Tiguan is largely extinguished.
Volkswagen Tiguan Review
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2021-)
When most manufacturers stopped developing their diesels, Mercedes-Benz… didn’t. As a result, the latest C-Class gives us a glimpse of what diesels might look like today had Dieselgate never happened. And the answer is: pretty impressive. Thanks to its mild hybrid engine, the C-Class diesel can hit figures of more than 70mpg on a long run, making it one of the most fuel-efficient ways of getting around the London boroughs. To drive, meanwhile, this is every bit the luxurious compact executive saloon (or estate) you’d hope for, all of which means it’s capable of pleasing the heart as well as the head.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class review
Frequently Asked Questions
Will diesel cars be banned?
At the moment, the sale of new diesel cars is slated to be phased out in 2030, though diesel hybrids will be granted a stay of execution until 2035. After that time, no new cars with diesel engines will be sold. However, that doesn’t mean diesel cars will be banned. Diesel cars that are already extant will continue to exist on Britain’s roads for years to come, and while there’s no guarantee they won’t be banned one day in a far-distant future, it would be politically pretty much impossible for any government to try to enact such legislation, so it seems vanishingly unlikely that it would ever actually happen.
Which diesel vehicles are exempt from CAZ and ULEZ charges?
All diesel vehicles that are compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards, including both cars and diesel vans. This is in contrast to the rules governing ULEZ-compliant petrol cars, which include those meeting Euro 5 and even Euro 4 emissions standards. Euro 6 rules were introduced on 1 September 2015, which means any car registered thereafter is in the clear. Having said that, some cars were compliant before this date, so some earlier models will be exempt. If you’re not sure, you can always punch the registration number of any prospective purchase into Transport for London (TfL)’s ULEZ checker to find out.
Do diesel cars last longer?
Diesel engines are usually more robust than petrol engines, and so it’s generally accepted that they do tend to go on for longer than their petrol equivalents. However, that isn’t a hard-and-fast rule; indeed, a well looked-after petrol vehicle will often be more durable than a poorly maintained diesel car.
Are diesel cars more expensive?
Diesel cars are usually more expensive than petrol equivalents to buy new, but if you’re buying second-hand, diesel models can actually be more affordable. That’s because fewer people are buying diesels these days, which means they’re less sought-after, and consequently, second-hand values are often on a par with petrol models, and sometimes below.
Will diesel cars go down in value?
It’s impossible to predict the future, but it’s fair to say that the public image of diesel engines is already pretty low, and it’s hard to imagine their reputation falling further still, so it looks like values will be fairly stable for the foreseeable. Having said that, if you’re buying new, keep in mind that the drop-off when the car leaves the showroom will likely be steeper than with a petrol equivalent. That’s because, although diesels tend to command a premium when they’re brand new, that’s often no longer the case second-hand.
Are diesel cars more reliable?
Diesel engines were once reckoned to be more dependable because they were mechanically less complex. However, these days, the emissions control technologies that are used with modern diesel engines means many of them are actually more complicated than petrol counterparts. So while the underlying engine itself might be pretty strong, diesels often have more ancillary parts, which means more to go wrong. In some cases, therefore, they can be less reliable than their petrol counterparts.
Do I still have to pay the congestion charge with a ULEZ-compliant car?
Yes. Don’t forget that in London, the ULEZ is a different beast to the congestion charge, so even if your car is exempt from paying the former, it probably isn’t exempt from paying the latter.