How economical is the diesel Volkswagen Golf?

How economical is a Golf 1.9 diesel? What miles to the gallon does it give? I'm looking at a 2005 diesel. Should I stick with a 1.4 petrol car?

Thanks,

Michael Conlon

Michael Conlon (Sligo)

Mar 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

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Expert answer

Hi Michael,

The official average economy for a 2005 1.9 TDI 105hp Golf is 53mpg, and assuming the engine has been reasonably well cared for down the years, I'd say you wouldn't have too much trouble matching that figure in day-to-day driving. As for switching to 1.4 petrol, it kind of depends on your driving style and habits. If you're doing lots of long journeys, especially ones with lots of motorway mileage, then diesel is a no-brainer. If your driving is mostly done at low speed, around town, for short hops then it might well be worth sticking with petrol. Basically, you need to get your pen and paper out and work out what mileage you do, and then compare the prices you're seeing for both the petrol and diesel versions of the cars you want. If the saving on the fuel isn't more than extra price of buying the diesel car, then it's worth considering sticking with petrol.

Let us know how you get on

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe