What big new car to replace my diesel with for up to €60,000?
I've been a diesel driver for 20 years but now need to change car. Should I stay with diesel? Very few choices. Move to 100 per cent petrol, maybe? I have no interest in plug-in hybrids or full EVs.
Could you select a few good diesel and petrol cars for me? Around the same size as a Ford Mondeo, a new car for “271” for up to €60,000.
Hi Fergal,
Demand for both diesel and for actual cars of the same size as the Ford Mondeo are in decline, so there are fewer options than ever on the market today.
The first that comes to mind is the Skoda Superb, offered with a 2.0 TDI 150hp engine and a DSG automatic gearbox. Prices for this vary from €49,935 up to €60,405 depending on how luxurious or sporty looking you want it. There is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine option as well, within budget so try to get a test drive in both.
The Skoda Octavia can be had with the same diesel engine – with a manual or automatic transmission – for a good deal less outlay. Sure, it's a smaller car, but it's bigger than most alternatives at its price point and well worth considering. You could actually afford the sporty 265hp RS version powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, though I sense that's not what you're looking for.
An outside option is the classy Audi A5 but it's a bit out of budget even at its entry-point, the SE TDI.
There really are very few options meeting your requirements.
Jun 2026 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Demand for both diesel and for actual cars of the same size as the Ford Mondeo are in decline, so there are fewer options than ever on the market today.
The first that comes to mind is the Skoda Superb, offered with a 2.0 TDI 150hp engine and a DSG automatic gearbox. Prices for this vary from €49,935 up to €60,405 depending on how luxurious or sporty looking you want it. There is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine option as well, within budget so try to get a test drive in both.
The Skoda Octavia can be had with the same diesel engine – with a manual or automatic transmission – for a good deal less outlay. Sure, it's a smaller car, but it's bigger than most alternatives at its price point and well worth considering. You could actually afford the sporty 265hp RS version powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, though I sense that's not what you're looking for.
An outside option is the classy Audi A5 but it's a bit out of budget even at its entry-point, the SE TDI.
There really are very few options meeting your requirements.
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor