When buying a car in South Africa, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a petrol or diesel engine. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on factors such as purchase price, running costs, resale value, and environmental impact.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why understanding the differences between petrol and diesel cars is essential before making a purchase.

Purchase Price: Petrol vs Diesel Cars

One of the first differences buyers notice is the higher upfront cost of diesel vehicles. Diesel engines are generally more expensive to manufacture, which results in a higher showroom price.

For example, when comparing a brand-new Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Elite (petrol) with the Hyundai Tucson 2.0D Elite (diesel), the diesel variant costs around R65,000 more than the petrol version. While the exact price difference varies between models and manufacturers, diesel cars are almost always more expensive than their petrol equivalents.

Running Costs and Fuel Efficiency

Despite the higher purchase price, diesel cars have long been favoured for their fuel efficiency. Diesel fuel has a higher energy density than petrol, allowing diesel vehicles to travel further on less fuel.

According to the Automobile Association (AA), diesel engines typically consume 25% to 30% less fuel than petrol engines.

Real-World Fuel Cost Comparison

Using the Hyundai Tucson as an example:

• Petrol Tucson 2.0 Elite:
  Fuel consumption of 8.9 L/100km
• Diesel Tucson 2.0D Elite:
  Fuel consumption of 7.4 L/100km

If you drive 14,000 km per year:

• Petrol usage: 1,246 litres at R22.95/litre
  → R28,595 per year
• Diesel usage: 1,036 litres at R21.72/litre
  → R22,501 per year

This results in a saving of approximately R6,000 per year in favour of diesel.

However, when factoring in the R65,000 higher purchase price, it would take around 10 years of fuel savings to recover the extra cost. With fuel prices fluctuating and diesel sometimes costing as much as petrol, this advantage is no longer as clear-cut as it once was.

Resale Value: Which Holds Its Value Better?

Historically, diesel cars have retained their value better than petrol vehicles in the second-hand market.

For example, a four-year-old Hyundai Tucson 2.0D Elite can sell for about R45,000 more than the equivalent petrol model. That said, buyers should remember that the diesel vehicle also cost more initially.

Resale values can vary significantly depending on:

• Vehicle brand
• Condition and mileage
• Market demand
• Whether you are trading in or selling privately

If resale value is a major factor for you, careful research is essential.

Environmental Impact of Petrol vs Diesel Cars

Diesel engines have traditionally been associated with higher emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both of which contribute to air pollution and health risks.

However, modern diesel vehicles have made significant improvements. According to Suzuki Auto South Africa, today’s diesel cars are equipped with advanced filtration systems that drastically reduce harmful emissions.

Interestingly, a study by the University of Montreal found that petrol cars emitted up to 62 times more lung-damaging pollution in cold weather compared to modern diesel vehicles.

This shows that environmental impact is no longer a straightforward petrol-versus-diesel debate, especially with newer engine technologies.

Growing Competition from Hybrid Vehicles

In recent years, hybrid vehicles have emerged as a strong alternative to both petrol and diesel cars. Hybrids combine petrol engines with electric motors, offering:

• Significantly lower fuel consumption
• Reduced emissions
• Quieter driving experience

Manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, BMW, Volvo, and Haval now offer hybrid models in South Africa. In some cases, petrol-electric hybrids are available at similar prices to popular petrol or diesel SUVs, including models comparable to the Hyundai Tucson Elite.

For buyers who can afford the initial investment, hybrids are becoming an increasingly attractive option.

Final Verdict: Petrol or Diesel?

Choosing between a petrol and diesel car in South Africa ultimately depends on your driving habits and priorities:

• Choose petrol if you want a lower purchase price and mostly drive short urban distances.
• Choose diesel if you do a lot of long-distance driving and plan to keep the car for many years.
• Consider a hybrid if fuel efficiency and lower emissions are top priorities.

With fuel prices fluctuating and new technologies entering the market, doing thorough research before buying is more important than ever.