The diesel engine has come in for a great deal of negativity of late – and a lot of this is not just completely unjustified but is also factually inaccurate. So what exactly do motorists and particularly diesel vehicle drivers need to be aware of?

At the end of July, the UK government is expected to announce the outcome of a consultation on its national clean air strategy. The shockwaves are already being felt in anticipation of this with a wave of adverse publicity affecting consumer demand for diesel vehicles.

Here at hpi, our forecasts have been assuming increased deflation for diesel relative to petrol, across most vehicle sectors, for some time. However, larger diesel SUVs, Upper Medium and Executive cars are likely to continue to be a more attractive proposition than their petrol equivalents, in most cases.

Of course, any steps to improve air quality are welcome. It is important to recognise the difference between older vehicles and new clean diesel which has played a significant part in improving air quality.

In new diesel vehicles, highly efficient diesel particulate filters now capture 99.9% of all particles. Pollutant emission levels for new diesel are comparable to the equivalent petrol engines but with CO2 emissions that are in fact around 20% lower.

Diesel car registrations in May fell 20 per cent compared to last year and are down 8.8 per cent year to date. Petrol registrations are up 5.8 per cent and alternative fuel vehicles jumped 27.2 per cent.

Petrol used car values look set to continue alongside a slight easing in diesel values year-on-year.  But without a clear indication of any final legislation on diesel, there is no reason to expect diesel values to fall dramatically.

If you are wondering how these changes will affect what the car will be worth in the future, you can get the present and future value of your car here for FREE.

Terry, Campfire PR