fuel economy and emissions

Are there any 4x4 diesels that fall into Band B for tax, and if not, what diesel 4x4s have the lowest tax rate?

Hi, we recently bought a VW Passat 1.6 FSI, but the fuel economy is terrible. We seem to be at the petrol pump more often than not. Is this common for this type of car? 

Could you tell which were the first diesel cars on the Irish market to be fitted with diesel particulate filters (DPF) as standard or even as an option? We're looking for a 6-8 year-old car and would like to consider a diesel for cheaper running costs, but a DPF is a must because of our concerns over how diesel soot particulates can cause asthma. Preferably at least medium sized or mini-MPV.

Can you give me a rough idea what the mpg difference would be between a BMW 520d automatic and 520d SE manual version for mainly suburban driving.

I know that for resale automatic is better, but ecomony is important to me.

Also, the suspension for M Sport version is stiffer and firmer; I am not into fast driving, but do like the sport styling. Can you tell me is the ride comfort difference noticable?

Hi there,

I bought the new Opel Astra in January, a diesel 1.7L CDTi with 110hp. The car is well run-in at this stage with over 4,000km on the clock. I am only getting about 42mpg; the tank holds 56 litres and I am lucky to get 800km from this. The dealer has told me that it should be closer to 55mpg. I have a provisional appointment made with the dealer for him to do an emissions check on the car. Can you think of what might be causing the poor mileage considering I am not a hard driver and do obey the speed limit?

Hello, I drive a 2008 1.3-litre diesel Astra with a six-speed gearbox on a fairly normal driving pattern: start, stop, traffic-jams etc. and M50 motorway driving (in which I use the cruise control). What sort of fuel economy should I expect?

Thanks