Diesel engines, long reputed for being loud and dirty, are making a return to Malaysia and now with B10 diesel waiting in the wings, we look at what is needed to make diesel powered cars more popular with Malaysians.
Here are 10 reasons you should buy one:
- Diesel is no longer dirty or loud.
Thanks to new engine technology and the mandatory transition to ultra-low sulfur diesel, today’s diesel cars run quietly, and don’t spew black smoke all over the road.
- More power delivery.
There is a reason why busses and trucks run on diesel: The fuel provides more torque, which means more pulling power and more power off the line.
- Not only Germans sell them.
In 2011, diesel car sales made up for 51.8% of the European market. In Germany, 41.9% of cars sold that year ran on diesel. If nearly half of German car buyers who have access to the Autobahn are willing to give up on petrol, we Malaysians should start looking at diesel powered vehicles.
- You go to the fuel station/pump a lot less often.
Diesel savings are sometimes 20-30% more in the long run.
- If you are buying a premium diesel car like a Mazda SKYACTIV, Mercedes or a BMW, then there is really no issue.
- The price premium over a petrol car is lower than for a hybrid or electric car unless tax incentives and EEV status is included for the hybrid.
- It is easy to find a place to fill up, especially now with EURO5 Diesel being sold in 115 BHPetrol stations nationwide. Also, the big problem with electric cars is that the public charging infrastructure is just beginning to be built.
- Diesel engines powered race cars were the biggest winners at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
