PETROL models of many cars are likely to come with lower mileages than diesels and could be longer lasting for that reason.

And while the diesels are more economical, they are also more expensive because they are more sought after.

Also, the petrol engines are still very economical and diesel is now around six pence a litre more expensive - thats 27 pence per gallon.

So if you don't really need diesel, buy one of the much sweeter sounding petrols.

This is just as true for top selling diesel models like the Volkswagen Golf.

The last Golf, with one facelift, was produced from 2012 to 2020 in hatchback, convertible and estate bodystyles, plus the all wheel drive Alltrack estate with raised ride height.

But of course, you can also use the advice here if youre interested in a Jetta saloon, which is the same under the skin except for a more limited range of engines.

There have been 17 different models of the hatch alone at different times during this production run, so make sure you get the power and the equipment you want before you sign on the dotted line.

All engines are turbocharged and the smallest 1.0-litre petrol is available with 85, 110 or 115bhp, while the previous 1.2 had either 85 or 105.

Next up the range is a 1.4 with either 120, 125 or 150 and this was replaced by a 1.5 with either 130 or 150.

There are no 2.0-litre petrol engines in the standard Golf range. These are reserved for the GTI and R models, with power ranging from 230 to an amazing 310bhp, and as you can imagine, superb performance.

Diesel options are a 1.6 with either 105, 110 or 115bhp at different times, and a 2.0-litre with either 147 or in the GTD, 184bhp.

The only mediocre performers in the whole range are the 1.0 and 1.2-litre models with 85bhp, which take 11.5 seconds to get to 60 miles an hour.

Above that, even the 1.0-litre with 115bhp manages the sprint in 9.5, and the rest of the petrol models just get better and better.

Best petrol economy is from the 1.0-litre, which in Bluemotion form will do 65mpg on the official economy cycle, which has to be excellent, and while the 1.4 and 1.5 petrols can manage 55mpg.

In contrast, the 1.6 diesel can push that figure up to 70mpg and still reach 60 miles an hour in around ten seconds, while the 2.0-litre TDI is claimed to be capable of 65mpg and 0 to 60 in 8.3 seconds.

Most will come with the standard six speed manual gearbox, but the DSG automatic is beautifully intuitive and absolutely superb to use, making the changes quicker than you can do it yourself. However, it will be a good deal more expensive.

The GTI reaches 60 in just 6.2 seconds while the R does the same in a supercar 4.7. But with both of these, bear in mind that stiffer suspension does affect the quality of the ride, which is fantastic in all the lower order cars.

And despite the fact that those lower order cars ride so well, they also take the corners beautifully, helped by top notch, marvellouly tactile power steering and brilliant handling balance.

There are too many models to list all the equipment here, so when you're buying, just make sure you have everything you want.

Finally my usual advice: dont buy without full service history, and if anything feels wrong about a car, walk away with your money in your pocket. There are plenty out there!

Pay about £12,850 for an 18 18-reg 1.0 TSI SE five door, or £17,300 for a 20 20-reg 1.6 TDI GT five door.