I’m waiting for a 200hp Tdi L&K which was ordered in November ( nothing confirmed yet - but estimated delivery 30 weeks ) It will replace my E320 cdi Mercedes estate which I’ve owned for 10 years. I currently pull a 1600 k caravan and launch and recover a 5m rib from a beach. ( not at the same time ! ) so as much torque as possible is the order of the day. I understand Ranger’s comments about fuel consumption difference between petrol and diesel, particularly when towing , but is it really worth worrying about ?
At list prices, we pay forty plus grand for the car, stick another twenty plus of caravan on the back and then worry about consumption. If you towed for 2000 miles ( at a rough figure of £7.50 per gallon ) the difference between 25mpg and 20 mpg would be £150 - when you’ve the wrong side of sixty thousand pounds in your outfit - what’s another few gallons of whichever fuel you prefer ?
For me, it’s more important to choose a model and spec that is going to meet your requirements for the fifty two weeks of the year than worry about another few quid at the pumps when towing.