Diesel sales hit record high

• 45.3% of new cars were diesels last month
• 1 in 4 cars bought in 2007 are diesels
• Diesel price premium could wipe out fuel savings

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Sky-high fuel prices are tempting more and more buyers to opt for diesel-powered cars, according to a new report.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says that 45.3% of new cars sold in November were diesel powered – diesel's highest share of the new car market in three years.

The SMMT says that diesel registrations are likely to exceed 40% of all new car sales this year.

The organisation's chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, said: 'It's really encouraging to see the growth in diesel registrations.

'New diesel engines are around 20% more fuel-efficient than a petrol equivalent – good news for the motorist at times of rising fuel costs.'

While diesel engines are more economical than their petrol counterparts, the premium buyers generally have to pay for a diesel car could wipe out any savings in running costs.

We estimate that most buyers would have to cover at least 15,000 miles a year to take advantage of diesel's better fuel economy.