Decided on S-Max - but diesel or petrol?
Discussion
Need some assistance choosing an engine for my next S-Max please. I currently drive a 2.2 (170 ps) diesel manual S-Max. We're replacing it in March and Mrs CdeG wants an auto next time.
As a serviceman serving overseas, I qualify for a tax-free purchase, so the choice is between either the 163 ps diesel, or the 203 ps petrol. The petrol is 1200 pounds cheaper to buy, but obviously the road fund charge is higher and fuel economy worse.
From next year, we will do about 12000 miles a year (currently do about 180000), and one of those cost comparison charts shows that the diesel works out cheaper overall for us after about 2 years. I think I'll probably keep it a little longer than that, especially as I am always likely to have a fun second car, but do have a track record of getting bored.
With an eye on eventual resale, by which time fuel will inevitably be even more expensive, would I be insane to go for the petrol? For what it's worth, the diesel we have currently is pretty good, although fuel economy is rather poorer than Ford would have you believe.
Any thoughts or words of wisdom? Just trying to ensure I've thought it all through before going firm. Thanks.
As a serviceman serving overseas, I qualify for a tax-free purchase, so the choice is between either the 163 ps diesel, or the 203 ps petrol. The petrol is 1200 pounds cheaper to buy, but obviously the road fund charge is higher and fuel economy worse.
From next year, we will do about 12000 miles a year (currently do about 180000), and one of those cost comparison charts shows that the diesel works out cheaper overall for us after about 2 years. I think I'll probably keep it a little longer than that, especially as I am always likely to have a fun second car, but do have a track record of getting bored.
With an eye on eventual resale, by which time fuel will inevitably be even more expensive, would I be insane to go for the petrol? For what it's worth, the diesel we have currently is pretty good, although fuel economy is rather poorer than Ford would have you believe.
Any thoughts or words of wisdom? Just trying to ensure I've thought it all through before going firm. Thanks.
Some useful responses everyone, many thanks. I think you're mainly - and there are some dissenting voices as I'd hoped - telling me what I think I already know. In order to sell a car like that 'well' in the future - with an eye on the bulk of the market - it will have to be a diesel.
As I said, I actually like the diesel we have at the moment; effortless and with good grunt, but the economy isn't that great. I average 37 with the 2.2 diesel - certainly not bad, but many others beat it (although not many other 7 seaters will I guess).
Just need to get Mrs CdeG to go firm on a colour now...
As I said, I actually like the diesel we have at the moment; effortless and with good grunt, but the economy isn't that great. I average 37 with the 2.2 diesel - certainly not bad, but many others beat it (although not many other 7 seaters will I guess).
Just need to get Mrs CdeG to go firm on a colour now...
Zoki said:
How about the new 240 2.0 T with powershift or you can wait for the 2.2 TDCI 200 with powershift:
We’re testing the new 2.2-litre TDCi Duratorq turbodiesel with its piezo-electric, vibrating-crystal injectors, enlarged turbocharger, startling 197bhp and massive 310lb ft of torque (332 on transient overboost). It's mated to a six-speed manual; a double-clutcher arrives later.
I need to order now, and suspect that the more 'exotic' (it's relative of course - it's an MPV we're talking about) the model, the more limited the potential market. The ones I'm looking at have enough zizz for a family car.We’re testing the new 2.2-litre TDCi Duratorq turbodiesel with its piezo-electric, vibrating-crystal injectors, enlarged turbocharger, startling 197bhp and massive 310lb ft of torque (332 on transient overboost). It's mated to a six-speed manual; a double-clutcher arrives later.
Some interesting comments - thanks everyone.
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