Discounts on new diesel cars are now 25.6% higher on average than for their petrol counterparts, research by What Car? has found.

This follows a slump in demand caused by the Government's demonisation of diesel, along with a lack of understanding from consumers of the new cleaner ‘Euro 6’ diesel engines which are now available.

The Chancellor is expected to penalise diesels further in this week’s Budget. However, given the current level of discounting, any increases in taxes on diesels will be off-set by the fall in the prices of the cars themselves.

For the canny buyer, then, the market is ripe for deals and negotiating big savings over petrol variants. These are the top 10 diesel deals available on Whatcar.com at the moment:

10. Mercedes CLS 220d AMG Line 7G-Tronic

List price £47,995 Target Price £39,911 Best What Car? deal £38,100 (16.8%)

With the CLS, Mercedes has created a stylish, quick and comfortable luxury saloon with room for four passengers and their luggage.

View this Mercedes CLS deal in more detail

Read our full Mercedes CLS review

9. Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI R Line

List price £29,925 Target Price £24,540 Best What Car? deal £23,084 (18.0% saving)

Our current MPV of the Year, the Touran is spacious and good to drive. This 2.0-litre diesel model is a strong and refined performer, too.

View this Volkswagen Touran deal in more detail

Read our full Volkswagen Touran review

8. Peugeot 508 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Allure

List price £28,660 Target Price £23,413 Best What Car? deal £21,488 (18.3% saving)

Non-premium executive saloons such as the 508 are out of fashion these days, but that means big discounts are available and makes them tempting to bargain hunters.

View this Peugeot 508 deal in more detail

Read our full Peugeot 508 review

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