Research from leading automotive marketplace CarGurus has found that the availability of diesel models in the UK is at its lowest level since 2015.

The choice of new diesels in 2024 has declined by over two-thirds (68%) in nine years, with just 65 variants from the 30 most popular manufacturers now available compared to 202 in 2015.

Data from SMMT car registration shows that diesels had a 48.5% share of the market in 2015, which has since declined to 3.8% in the full year of 2023.

Better fuel economy compared to petrol alternatives led Diesel vehicles to peak in popularity in 2015 after a strong growth throughout the late 2000s.

UK Diesel Sales (According to SMMT)

2005 - 897,887

2010 - 936,407

2015 - 1,276,871

2020 - 261,772

2023 (latest full year) - 71,501

Fewer manufacturers offering diesel vehicles

While 2015 saw only two manufacturers - Lexus and Smart - not offering diesel vehicles, that number has increased to 14 today and includes brands like Vauxhall, Nissan and Fiat.

What are the reasons for this? Higher tax hosts, the introduction of ULEZ, the increasing cost of diesel and the wider choice of alternative powertrains like EVs have led buyers to away from diesel.

While there is a small rise - 1,367 units (17.1%) - in demand for diesel models in the private market, the overall trend shows petrol and electric are pulling away in considerable numbers.

Chris Knapman, Editorial Director at CarGurus U.K., said:
“Despite the choice of new diesel vehicles having dwindled in recent years, for some drivers it remains the preferred fuel choice. The good news is that there is still a huge selection of diesel vehicles on the used market, including plenty that are equipped with technology to make them ULEZ compliant.

Read Graham Courtney’s Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate review for a taste of what diesel still has to offer in today’s market.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: CarGurus