Premium used diesel cars are in rising demand as commuters opt for fuel-efficient cars to replace public transport in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, research from heycar has found.

Seven of the online automotive marketing platform’s top 10 most in-demand cars between May 1 and September 1 were diesel powered as surveyed car buyers indicated that their preference had been dictated by a desire for fuel efficiency (41%) and reliability (29%).

Dan Powell, senior editor at heycar, said: “At heycar, we‘ve seen strong demand for diesel models over the past four months, which tells us that motorists are looking for the most fuel efficient cars for longer journeys such as motorway commutes.

“We have seen a lot of demand for premium diesels, with the Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz C-Class being extremely popular with car buyers who want a comfortable and stylish commuter car. Ford’s large and practical Ranger pick-up is also seeing increased demand, which suggests buyers are looking for a car that will accommodate their staycation needs.”

The most in-demand models between May 1 and September 1 on the popular online car marketplace were:

• Range Rover Evoque Diesel
• Ford Ranger Diesel
• Mercedes-Benz A Class Diesel
• Mercedes Benz C Class Diesel
• Mercedes Benz E Class Diesel
• Nissan Qashqai Petrol
• Volkswagen Polo Petrol
• Nissan X-Trail Diesel
• Ford Fiesta Petrol
• Land Rover Discovery Sport Diesel

And in the research, conducted before the recent queus for fuel at petrol station forecourts, heycar said its research indicated that diesel was seen as a cost-effective option as its survey data indicated that more than half of the public intends to avoid public transport wherever possible.

When asked how they intend to commute, 47% of respondents to heycar’s survey said by car.

But a survey carried out for the heycar-owned Honest John motoring site shows that 41% of drivers do not plan to buy an electric vehicle (EV) for more than five years.

Furthermore, the UK Government’s 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is not popular with motorists, with one-in-three surveyed by heycar saying that they’ll stick with traditionally-fuelled models after the ban.

Cheaper prices would encourage three-in-five to make the switch to an EV, it found, with lower running costs and improved infrastructure (more charging points) the priority for 40%.

Powell said: “After so many months of lockdowns and social distancing, it’s understandable that one-in-two are uncomfortable with the prospect of being jammed into a train carriage or standing on a packed bus with dozens of strangers.

“As a result, our cars have taken on even more importance as a comfortable and reliable way to travel to work in a post-pandemic world."