[HDi fun]

I dunno, Waynne, Factor in the particle filter every 50,000 miles or so, along with the EOLYS fluid reservoir replenishment. This runs away with 300 quid and I'm led to believe that dealers charge even more.

Then there's the fancy fully synthetic engine oils and fuel filter at fifteen quid every 12,000 miles. Peugeot recommend an intermediate oil swap every 6000, which I stick to with the remapped ECU as it possibly does put more thermal load on the engine oil.

Having said that, we're not comparing equal performance. I've driven a couple of Audi A3 1.8T's, which, I have to say are very nice cars indeed, but they're no match for the remapped 406's sheer midrange muscle.

I suppose that if I drove a V6 three litre Pug for a year I'd possibly have to adree that the diesel is the slightly more economical option.

I think that it largely comes down to driving preference now.

Diesel is no longer the poor relation to drive or ride in. But it's not the economical option in the way it was ten-twelve years back. Diesel fuel is also pricier than petrol.

I only get around 40mpg out of mine overall, although I do drive it with lead feet. And it's a heavy car, tips the scales at nearly one-and-a-half tons.

I remain unconvinced that diesel is the more economical option. Mr Brown is ensuring that everything is expensive so why worry?