Should I Still Buy a Diesel Car? UK vs South Africa Diesel Car Realities Explained
In the UK, the future of diesel is looking increasingly uncertain. With tougher emissions regulations, the rollout of ultra-low emission zones (ULEZ) in major cities, and attractive government incentives for electric vehicles, diesel car sales have taken a sharp dive.
British drivers are being pushed towards greener options, signalling a clear shift away from diesel. Yet, in South Africa, the question “Should I still buy a diesel car?” has a very different answer.
For many local drivers, diesel remains not only practical and economical but often essential. Diesel engines are still widely used across the country for a variety of purposes, and they continue to dominate South African roads.
So, should you still buy a diesel car? Let’s discuss…
Why The UK Is Saying No To Diesel
In UK cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester, older diesel vehicles face significant penalties. Drivers must pay congestion charges, higher road taxes, and often see a drop in resale value for diesel cars, especially those that don’t meet the latest emissions standards.
The UK government is aggressively pushing towards a net-zero future, and diesel vehicles, particularly those with older Euro 4 and earlier engines, are seen as a major contributor to poor air quality in urban centres.
The UK’s move away from diesel is supported by a specific set of circumstances: compact cities with dense populations, strong public transport systems, a growing electric vehicle infrastructure, and ambitious government environmental targets. These factors make it easier for British drivers to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.
South Africa, on the other hand, faces a very different reality.
South Africa Still Runs On Diesel
Unlike the UK, South Africa remains heavily reliant on diesel, especially outside major city centres. Diesel powers a wide range of vehicles — from bakkies and SUVs to agricultural machinery and long-haul trucks.
For South Africans, diesel is still the best option. If you often travel long distances, live in rural or semi-rural areas, need the extra power for towing or off-roading, or rely on your vehicle for work, diesel remains a sensible choice.
Fuel rebates for industries like farming and construction also make diesel more affordable in these sectors. In short, diesel meets the practical demands of many South African drivers.
Fuel Efficiency For Our Roads
One of diesel’s biggest advantages is its fuel efficiency, particularly on long journeys. In South Africa, where a “quick drive” often means covering 60 kilometres or more, this is a major benefit. Many people here regularly clock high mileage, whether commuting from towns like Paarl to Cape Town or making frequent cross-country deliveries.
For drivers who cover significant distances each week, the fuel economy of diesel engines can translate into substantial savings over time. That’s an important consideration when fuel prices and running costs are a major part of the budget.
The Clean Diesel Deadline: What It Means For You
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced a phase-out of high-sulphur diesel by July 2027. From then on, only ultra-low sulphur diesel (10 ppm) will be available nationwide.
This change affects diesel vehicles differently depending on their age and emission standards. Newer diesel cars built to Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards are designed to run on low-sulphur fuel, and they will perform even better with it. Older models, like those built to Euro 2, 3 or 4 standards, will still run on the new fuel, but owners might need to pay closer attention to servicing and ensure their engines and filters are compatible.
So, while the diesel fuel itself is evolving, owning a diesel vehicle won’t become a problem overnight.
EVs Are On The Rise — But Not Yet Accessible To All
The UK’s transition to electric vehicles is supported by a comprehensive charging network, a reliable power supply, and government incentives, which is not the case locally. In South Africa, the electric vehicle market is still in its infancy.
Challenges include limited charging infrastructure outside Gauteng and the Western Cape, ongoing load shedding and power reliability issues, high upfront costs due to import duties, and a lack of EV models designed for long-distance or rural driving.
Until these hurdles are overcome and EVs become more practical and affordable, diesel remains the preferred choice for many South Africans who need reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles capable of handling tough driving conditions.
So, Should You Still Buy A Diesel Car In South Africa?
If your driving habits and lifestyle require it, the answer is yes. Diesel is still the smarter option for those who regularly cover long distances, require strong towing power, live outside the major cities, or run businesses that depend on transport.
However, if your driving is mostly short trips in heavy urban traffic, or if you want a vehicle that’s future-proof well beyond 2030, it might be worth considering a hybrid or electric vehicle.
If you’re looking for a dependable diesel vehicle that suits South African roads, browse our wide range of diesel bakkies, SUVs and passenger vehicles at Group1 Cars. Our team is ready to help you find the right vehicle for your journey, whether that means city driving or country roads.
