British motorists are currently being encouraged to trade their old diesel cars for low-emissions models with scrappage schemes offered by the biggest manufacturers.
Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and VW have all recently launched scrappage incentives offering discounts of anything between £1,000 and £8,000 off a new, more efficient car when you hand over an older pre Euro 5-emissions vehicle registered before the end of 2009. But there are some diesels built before 2010 that you should cling onto, just because they are that good.
While the value of some used diesel cars might be in decline, there are some 'performance' diesels that are still great - even by today's standards - and could potentially rise in value. We've identified 10 diesels that we think could be worth more in the future than they are now. If you own one of the cars listed below we think you could have a future classic on your hands and you might want to consider keeping them on roads rather than panic selling or trading them in as part of the industry-wide scrappage schemes being offered by manufacturers.
Some old and decrepit diesels clearly need putting out of their misery. Others, however, deserve preserving as examples of pure automotive brilliance. 'Every time a new scrappage scheme comes into play, we also see some really iconic, and often rare, cars disappearing from UK roads. For many car enthusiasts, it’s a sad thing. And there are many diesels which absolutely deserve to be nurtured, pampered and repaired, not crushed to oblivion.'
Here’s our pick of the die hard diesels:
The BMW 335d was a stealth car, looking like any conventional 3 Series saloon or Touring estate but packed 282bhp and could sprint to 62mph in 6 seconds
1. BMW 335d E90 (2006 onwards)
Boasting what was the most powerful diesel engine BMW sold in the UK, the 335d is very fast, but also usable on a daily basis. Its rear-wheel-drive, and available in a touring version too.
The big V10 Touareg boasted a potent 345bhp - more than enough for a large family SUV
2. VW Touareg V10 R50 (2008 onwards)
This is the ultimate ‘sleeper’ - a car with high performance but an unassuming exterior. And what car enthusiast woulnd’t want a V10! There’s 345bhp from a 5 litre V10 might not sound a lot but 850nm of torque sure is. That’s more than most trucks.
This Jaguar XF has more kudos than an equivalent BMW or Mercedes and ideal for long distance journeys
Jaguar XF SDV6 275 (2009 onwards)
A luxury mile-muncher that’s starting to become affordable as depreciation kicks in. It’s also cooler than a BMW 5 series or Mercedes-Benz E class.
The RCZ is a rare sight on UK roads, and diesel models are in small numbers. That could result in appreciating values
Peugeot RCZ HDi (2009 onwards)
Despite the stunning design and reasonable reviews it's a rare occurrence to see an RCZ on the roads, especially a diesel one, which means in a few years time it could be fast-tracked into the ranks of future classics.
The 2.4-litre diesel had 210bhp and enough grunt to go from 0 to 60mph in 8.1 seconds - and just look at it!
Alfa 159 Sportwagon 2.4 JTDM (2007 onwards)
Why would you keep this diesel Alfa? Looks, plain and simple. Designed by Giugiaro, in ‘Sportwagon' - aka estate - version, these things look epic, with the right wheels, roof bars and tan leather trim.
Quite simply, the Golf GTD is a GTi without the extortionate fuel bills
VW Golf GTD (2009 onwards)
The Golf is the perfect everyday car. The GTD is the diesel version of the GTI and is virtually as quick. paired with the DSG box it's a fast, fun, practical tool you'd happily drive every day.
This is one car ripe for a good return, purely because they are so rare. Alpina has been making racier BMWs for years, and this is one of the better recent products
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo (2008 onwards)
Alpina variants of quick Beemers are just cool - always have been, always will be. The D3 is also available in Saloon or Touring models.
This was one of the first diesel-powered hot hatches. At the time that was not a cool thing - and it was a Skoda to boot - but even by today's standards this is one quick little motor
Skoda Fabia VRS (2003 onwards)
When the Fabia VRS was first launched it was only available in diesel format, coming with a 1.9 litre mill. As standard, it’ll produce 130bhp but with a remap you’ll get an extra 40bhp. One the great, unsung hot-hatches available with a distinctive cream and black leather interior.
A diesel engine developed on track and slotted into a family saloon - the Audi A4 3.0 TDI Quattro is a wonderful Jekyll and Hyde vehicle
Audi A4 B7 3.0 TDi Quattro (2005 onwards)
A race-bred performance diesel, this Audi’s 3.0 litre engine gives the B7 some serious grunt while making it perfect as an every day commuter.
Fondly remembered as the 'Dooper', the diesel Cooper added more fuel efficiency without taking away any of the driving enjoyment
Mini Cooper 1.6D (2007 onwards)
The ‘Dooper’ is cheap, fun, economical while also boasting excellent handling. There’s a satisfying gear change, too. In standard form you get 112bhp, but it’s simple to remap to create 140bhp, which is ample power in such a small package.
This article by Rob King & Rob Hull first appeared in the
MailOnline
