This morning I drove to Cambridge and back in a Transit Connect

On my return I have been driving a new 320D with all the bells and whistles

I can see the point of the Connect - compact, not bad to drive, not many alternatives

I cannot see the point of the 320D - for

 

Disposing of it is a bit harsh.
Not my cup of tea either. You could have a Brera for that kind of money

 

Here's a tip. Turn on the engine, then got out of the car. Listen to how nasty and unrefined it is. Then go and stand behind it and breathe in the fumes. Then ask yourself, do I really want to inflict this on my country? Then go and drive it round and round your local council estate beginning your own quiet revolution.

 

As an ex-company car purchaser, the diesel is attractive because of the lower tax it commands, thanks to the ludicrous CO2 measurement they use.

As a petrol head, it fails to appeal in a day-to-day road car in so many ways that I could never begin to contemplate owning one, on a company lease or otherwise.

 

Diesel technology has evolved a lot over the last 10 years

My dad's Merc E320 CDi is a cracking motor if you like your cars big. But it's a lot of money for a big taxi.

They claim now that diesel performance is equivalent to that of a similar sized petrol engine

Trouble is the economy is the same as well, or worse

So what's the point?

 

I think this thing red lines at 4750 rpm

that's exciting.........

as for costs. diesel is about 7% more expensive than unleaded round here (say 92/86p on ave)

oh, it's an auto as well, which is just as well

it would be beyond horrible otherwise

 

I drove a 320d back to back with the 2.4JTD Alfa 159 recently and although the Alfa was a five-pot with much more power for less cash, if I had to I'd take the 320d; a far nicer car to drive. But a four-cylinder diesel 3-Series does not really appeal, I grant you. I like the 330d though and the impending 335d.

But having said all that, I'll never buy anything bar petrol, I think, until I am at least 50 years old! And that is NOT a criticism of anyone on here who has bought one and is under 50...

 

I would happily drive a diesel van or estate (auto preferably if estate)

I need to go to France a lot so the diesel makes more sense

And they are treks, not jaunts

So space, comfort and range are overriding criteria

 

Also Matt

I sat in a 335i today

 

Yes,