Diesel power is excellent technology, but it offers both some very good advantages and some disadvantages. One of the biggest benefits, of course, is fuel mileage (going the distance with diesel), but diesel also offers other advantages. For instance, diesel-powered trucks and SUVs offer better towing capabilities than their petrol-powered counterparts. And diesel-powered vehicles have better low-end acceleration than petrol-powered cars because they build up so much torque from a low speed. But there are also a few drawbacks to diesel, including the initial purchase cost and heavy city traffic fuel economy. So, under what circumstances is diesel the right choice for you?
High Mileage Driving Monthly
If you do a lot of highway driving or take in a lot of mileage every month, diesel is worth a serious look. Diesel engines don’t need to work very hard during highway cruising, which means they can deliver very good fuel economy improvements over petrol powerplants. In fact, diesel-powered cars can even outshine hybrid vehicles on the highway, largely because hybrids gain a major fuel economy benefit from regenerative braking, which is rarely done on the highway.
Small Price Difference
Another major reason you might want to consider a diesel engine is if the technology only adds a small price difference over a petrol-powered car or SUV. For example, adding a turbodiesel engine to a Mazda CX-5 only boosts the price by around RM6,000 over a similarly equipped petrol-powered model. For car shoppers who do a lot of highway driving, that figure can be made up over time. This is why the all new Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV diesel boasts a similarly small price increase.
Specifications Mazda CX-5 2.2 Diesel Skyactiv
Engine 4-cylinder Diesel DOHC 16 Valve
Capacity 2192cc
Transmission 6-Speed Skyactiv Drive with Manual Shift
Max Output 173bhp @ 4500rpm
Max Torque 420Nm @ 2000rpm
0-100km/h NA
Top Speed 250km/h
Price: RM161,929.10
Mazda CX-5 Petrol price RM155,166.70
Generally diesels have double the lifespan of a petrol engine. All you have to do is watch your oil, coolant, and drive moderately until the engine has warmed up and the moving parts have settled in. Failure to comply will lead to a petrol engine lifespan. Do you see many old Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Storms around? Thats what a big turbo does… it tempts you to punch the pedal to the metal when the engine is cold.
Secondly, check the fuel air ratios of petrol and diesels during idle and load. I am sure you have noticed big rigs leaving their engines on during stops. Its sips…. and its cheaper than starting/restarting. The fact that diesels have an oil pump to draw lubrication up should not be lost on those who idle excessively. The next black out you have, go to sleep in your car out in the open. Turn the air conditioner on. Dont worry.. CO output is minimal on a diesel. And sleep til morning. The engine will be just fine. Now try that in your petrol.
A petrol engine is going to spike its consumption once the ac is on. The enricher circuit comes on when the torque is insufficient to drive the compressor. In fact the petrol engine is both load and speed dependant for its consumption. A diesel… is pretty much speed dependant. It really doesnt matter if you are carrying a load up Genting, with 4 pax and the AC on. The difference is negligible.
Finally….. all the newer petrol engines are shrinking. They are getting more efficient and more powerful. What this means is that your new petrol engine will never outlast your Fathers Volkswagen Beetle or Mini engine.
If you DO decide on a diesel, be aware that SIngapore has the best diesel. Thailand has a choice of two diesels and Malaysia sells the worst grade diesel in the world, So… you should consider servicing your fuel pump, which can be the single most costly component in your car/truck every 5 years. Also boost the heating value of your diesel ( equivalent of a petrol octane value) by dissolving some clear white mothballs in your fuel tank every few tankfuls. That should keep your engine happy.
Before you buy, be aware that some continental diesels require extensive maintenance. Dont just look at the specs. Ask to see the servicing schedule and the prices. If it says you have to replace the valve seats every 90000km, avoid that car.