Are you considering buying a new car for 2017? If so, one of the most important decisions that you need to make is whether you want to invest in a petrol car or a diesel one. Diesel and petrol automobiles differ in several crucial ways, so there are a number of factors you need to take into account when making this decision. We’ve identified the three most important factors for you.

1. Cost

Diesel vehicles aren’t manufactured quite as widely as petrol vehicles and are a little more expensive as a result. Petrol-powered cars represent a more affordable initial investment. However, diesel is a more efficient fuel than petrol, meaning that it provides more miles-to-the-gallon and therefore allows you to save on refueling costs. The at-the-pump prices of diesel and petrol are very close at the moment. Diesel is currently more expensive than standard unleaded petrol, but less expensive than super unleaded petrol.

According to PetrolPrices.com, the average price of unleaded petrol (as of yesterday) was 115.60p per liter. The price of diesel was 118.20p and the price of super unleaded was 129.50p. However, these prices fluctuate regularly, so they should be taken with a pinch of salt. The bottom line is that petrol cars are cheaper, which means that, if you choose to invest in one of these vehicles, you will have a greater range of options in your price range. However, the money you can save on refueling by opting for a diesel-powered vehicle makes them more cost-efficient in the long-run, regardless of the prices at the pump.

2. Performance

Diesel engines generally have superior torque compared to petrol engines. They require fewer revs to generate significant levels of torque, which allows them to pick up speed more easily and enables you to change gears more rapidly. In contrast, petrol engines are more responsive and provide you with a generally smoother driving experience. The difference isn’t particularly pronounced, but if either torque or smoothness are vitally important to you, you should factor it into your decision.

3. Environmental impact

As we mentioned in our ‘cost’ section, diesel is a more efficient fuel than petrol. Ergo, it releases less CO2 for each mile driven than petrol, which means that its overall impact on the environment is smaller. However, it also emits more particulates than petrol and its fumes are more noxious. As a result, petrol cars have less of an impact on the local environment than diesel cars. There’s no right or wrong choice, but it’s worth thinking about your environmental impact before selecting a type of car.

Regardless of whether you decide to invest in a petrol or diesel car, we can help. In order to buy any car, you’ll need to free up funds by selling your old one. As trusted car buyers, here at Simply Car Buyers, we are happy to purchase your old vehicle and provide you with the cash to spend on a new one.

The last couple of years has seen a scramble within the automotive industry to produce new hybrid cars that appeal to motoring fanatics, as well as the Prius-buying eco-warriors who initially championed the movement at the turn of the century. With several large cities now promising to phase diesel engines off their streets in the coming years, there is an understanding of the inevitability that eventually, petrol-only engines will one day follow suit. Toyota, Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi, Volkswagon, Lexus and many other car manufacturers are launching hybrid models for 2017, with each model attempting to up the game in terms of power, reliability and of course, ultimately, desirability.

The new Kia Optima Hybrid certainly at first glance appears to tick many of the boxes we would like to see in a new hybrid model. The car kicks out 192 horsepower and 271 p/f of torque, which for a car of its class is not to be sniffed at. Fuel consumption is approximately 39mpg for city driving and up to 46mpg for motorway driving, so it certainly meets the criteria of being fuel efficient. The efficiency trumps that of the Ford Fusion, the Toyota Camry and is only slightly behind the Honda Accord, so the Optima scores well on that front.

The reworked aerodynamic chassis is striking and pleasing, if not perhaps exciting on the eye. Active grille shutters are a nice touch and no doubt go some small way to the Optima’s impressive fuel economy. The interior is cleanly laid out, well finished and comfortable, but its inherently slightly conservative feel might not send most pulses racing.

With your foot off of the throttle, the 4 cylinder engine cuts out whilst the 50 horsepower engines kick in, allowing comfortable cruising under 62 miles an hour. Put your foot back down and the petrol engine kicks back in, delivering impressive acceleration and a satisfying top speed.

The Kia Optima Hybrid is a solidly impressive hybrid powered car that delivers the sort of fuel economy and green credentials that many consumers are looking for. The engines manage to hold their own against similar emerging models from other manufacturers, and the general quality of the ride and handling scores well too. The slightly conservative and understated feel to the car is likely to have a large bearing on the success of the model, but the essence of a quality hybrid is all there.

There is something intrinsically satisfying about driving a convertible car during the summer months. Part of the appeal is no doubt the sense of being outside soaking up vitamin D as opposed to sat inside a hot metal box struggling with air-conditioning. Feeling the cool wind in your hair brings with it a sense of freedom no you just don’t get with a roof over your head. Here are three of what we consider to be the very best convertibles available.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2016

In a world of sheen over substance, there is something remarkably down to earth about the Jeep Wrangler. The exposed hinges, large wheel arches, and minimalist design re-enforce what we already know about Jeeps – they are tough, functional and one of the most iconic and appealing shaped vehicles ever produced. The model comes with the hard top (removable panels), soft top or a combination of both. Although the Jeep looks like a beast, the level of comfort inside is nothing short of the executive. Boasting a V6 engine, 5 speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox and its ability to scale 44.3-degree approach angles you are unlikely to get caught out taking it off-road.

Fiat 124 Spider 2017

Many car enthusiasts will look ver
y fondly on the classic Fiat roadster that turned so many heads between 1966 and 1982. The new updated model has all the same style charm and character as its predecessors but with the technological advances, you would expect in 2017. Readouts are presented on the little screen for navigation and connectivity inside the cozy cockpit decked out in Italian leather in the higher spec models. A 160-hp 1.4-litre engine provides plenty of kick capable of sending you from 0-60 mph in little over six seconds.

Porsche 718 Boxster roadster

It didn’t seem possible for us to mention convertibles without mentioning the Porsche 718. Although perhaps controversially now housing two turbocharged flat-four-cylinder engines rather than the prior six, the new model is able to boast improved performance, better fuel economy, and a greener footprint at the expense of some growl. The result is undoubtedly one of the finest and most responsive drives of your life. Visually, the newly modified rear spoiler and steering wheel give it a more up to date feel but little else visually has been changed. Inside the leather trimmed interior, you will find a six speak stereo, Apple CarPlay (for the first time) and air conditioning as standard. Although not a cheap option by many standards, the updated 718 Boxster model alongside Porsche’s reputation for excellence is going to be a huge success.

Want to sneak a peek at the hottest new cars coming to the market soon? These new cars are the testament to the levels of progress and innovation currently being made in the motor industry. We have chosen them for their futuristic designs, remarkable technology, the sheer volume of power and above all else, the levels of desire they invoke in motoring enthusiasts. These models may not be production-ready just yet but these test runs suggest that something incredible is around the corner.

BMW Z5 2019

Work on the highly anticipated Z5 series is still underway and due to be released in 2019, and when it is, it will see off and consign the Z4 series to history. The aggressive looking little coupe features rear-wheel-drive jointly developed alongside Toyota which heralds a return of the Supra, adding another interesting twist to the series. The pictures we have seen are of a soft top model but, of course, hard top versions will be available.

Audi R8 E-Tron

Having been spotted undergoing grueling testing at the famous Nürburgring, the Audi R8 E-Tron has everybody talking about it and for all the right reasons. The model has been about since 2010 and was created to prove Audi’s engineering prowess by delivering incredible power from dual electric engines. The new model is suggested to be able to churn out 456 horsepower, 679 pound-feet of torque and carry you from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds which is impressive in itself, electric or not.

Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang

The welcome return of the GT name is well documented but new photos of a partly covered in in-development Mustang suggest that perhaps the plans for the GT500 are not as dead as had been suggested. Given the success of the GT350 and GT350R models, we are all expecting something very special from a souped-up and even more powerful model. Rumour has it that the GT500 will contain a twin-turbo V8 engine with no less than 750 horsepower – truly a muscle car worth keeping an eye out for.

Chevy Corvette ZR1 2018

When Chevy served up the Corvette Z06 it seemed that the world was hardly even ready for it. The 650-hp beast blew everybody away with its looks, sound and, of course, it is unparalleled and frankly terrifying power. The motoring world asked the only question it could; “what on Earth comes next?” Well, the answer is the 2018 ZR1. Spy photographs and videos from Michigan have revealed hard and soft top versions of a supercar with a huge rear wing and what is likely to be carbon fiber body panels. Details at this stage are still a little thin on the ground…

The MINI Hardtop’s individuality and original style make it one of the most popular and enjoyable cars to drive. With the 2017 model release coming up shortly, here are the top 4 cool facts that you need to know:

1. Standard features will include an impressive 6.5-inch center screen on the dashboard, stylish faux leather seats, Bluetooth and 8 airbags. For the more adventurous of MINI drivers, customizations are also available: the popular and much loved Union Jack convertible rooftop and, if faux leather seats aren’t your thing, there is a choice of 8 different tasteful upholsteries available for the interior.

2. With a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder base engine, the Hardtop has 124 horsepower, making this one speedy and fun little car to drive. What’s more, the 2017 Hardtop is available in either 6 gear manual or automatic transmission, with the manual transmission being the top choice for many drivers since it allows for more control – and enjoyability – whilst driving.

3. The 2017 Mini Cooper is available in four equally striking yet different models. In ascending order to most expensive: the classic Hardtop 2 door, the Hardtop 4 door, the larger Clubman, and the soft top and more stylish convertible. The timeless 2 door has grown in size over the years and will now measure in at 150.4 inches long. This means that, although still compact, there is enough head room for a person measuring 6 foot and 3 inches. However, the Clubman – a noticeable 18 inches longer than the 2 door – is perfect for those who love the style of the MINI but simply need a much bigger vehicle.

4. Finally, the Cooper received the highest safety rating available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2016 when it was awarded a Top Safety Pick +, as well as being awarded four stars for safety by the US federal government’s NHTSA, proving that, on top of being one of the most fashionable and iconic cars around, the MINI is also extremely practical.

Here at SimplyCarBuyers, the MINI Hardtop is an old favorite – consistently stylish and fun, yet safety approved and a fantastic drive. We will always love this classic car and we know many of you do too! Keep posted for all the latest updates.