New Diesel Car Availability Down 66% Since 2020, But Used Listings Keep Choices Alive for U.K. Drivers

• CarGurus reveals that the choice of diesel models available from the U.K.’s top 30 manufacturers(1) has declined by two-thirds (-66%) in five years, from 167 in 2020 to 57 today
• Dacia is one of the most recent brands to completely drop diesel, contributing to a 12% year-over-year reduction in models across the country’s top manufacturers
• Only 13 of the top 30 brands now offer a diesel model
• Mercedes-Benz leads the market with 16 diesel models, up from 13 last year
• With fewer new diesels available, CarGurus lets buyers filter by fuel type and ULEZ compliance to find a wide range of approved used diesel models

30 Oct. 2025: UK consumers in the market for a new diesel vehicle face an increasing lack of options, as brands continue to drop these models from their new car lineups.

According to new research from CarGurus — a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K. to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles — only 57 new diesel models remain available from the country’s 30 most popular car manufacturers(1), down from 167 just five years ago.

This 66% decline highlights how manufacturers are adapting their diesel lineups to align with evolving market trends and customer demand.

Since a peak in 2015, when 202 models were available, new diesel model availability has dropped significantly, with year-over-year declines continuing into 2025.

Diesel had long commanded a loyal following among a section of U.K. car buyers. The choice of new diesel cars rose sharply through the 2000s, climbing from 123 models in 2005 to 191 in 2010, before reaching a peak roughly a decade ago. Since then, demand has been in steady decline.

Only 13 of the U.K.’s 30 most popular car manufacturers(1) now offer diesel vehicles, compared to 28 in 2020. However, these figures also reflect broader automotive market shifts, including Mitsubishi exiting the U.K. market in 2021, and Jaguar’s more recent pause on launching new models as it transitions towards a fully electric lineup.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also shows diesel car registrations in 2025(2) continued to decline, shifting from a high of nearly 1.3 million in 2015 to just 123,104 almost a decade later in 2024 — figures that reinforce changing consumer preferences.

Despite the overall decline, there are some encouraging signs for diesel fans.

Mercedes-Benz leads the pack of automakers that were analysed, with 16 diesel models now available across its new model lineup. The brand’s offerings grew by three models year-over-year, largely due to a growing number of diesel plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in its range. Citroën has also introduced refreshed diesel engines, signaling its ongoing investment in cleaner diesel technology.

As new options continue to decrease, U.K. buyers looking for a diesel car can utilise platforms such as CarGurus to find their best fit. CarGurus’ used car search function allows consumers to easily filter listings by ULEZ compliance, helping buyers compare diesel models across different categories and price points.

Chris Knapman, CarGurus U.K. Editorial Director, said: “Our latest research once again highlights the rapid decline in the choice of new diesel cars available to U.K. drivers. However, while diesel is clearly no longer the default choice it once was, there remains strong demand in specific segments, particularly among high-mileage drivers and those needing towing capability or long-range efficiency.

“For these buyers, the used car market continues to offer a broad range of diesel models, including many that meet ULEZ requirements. For new car buyers, while the choice of diesel models has narrowed significantly, brands like Mercedes are pairing diesel with plug-in hybrid technology for added efficiency and ULEZ compliance."

For buyers considering a diesel car purchase, CarGurus provides expert guides to help shoppers navigate this market, including curated lists of the best ULEZ-compliant diesel cars and the best diesel hybrid cars available in both new and used markets.