Is Diesel my only option?

A hybrid is much nicer to drive than a diesel, though - I've driven a few hybrids this year and been very surprised by them (in a good way); way smoother than diesel, even the CVT gearbox (which I absolutely despise in a standard car) works surprisingly well, and apparently the latest ones are just as fuel efficient as diesel on the motorway. No dual mass flywheel, DPFs or other expensive diesel technology to go expensively wrong either (although to be fair those systems are far more reliable than they used to be).

I haven't been in a C-HR but I must say Toyota have massively improved their interiors from a few years ago, I really like the styling of the C-HR (as crossovers go), but I think the biggest problem is the Corolla; that's even better looking (IMO) and being a conventional hatchback / saloon not a crossover will be faster, more comfortable, more economical, better handling, cheaper to run and cheaper to buy. I can't understand why people want to pay more for cars that are going to be much worse. Also, it is very much to Toyota's credit that they fit their cars with independent rear suspension when other manufacturers are cutting costs and not doing it (like the Merc A-class or Audi A3) and if the reviews of them are to be believed, Toyota have really upped their game with making their cars more fun to drive than before.

My girlfriend was looking at the Toyota CHR a few years ago and the thing that put her off was it was small and cramped inside.

She got a Qashqai instead and is delighted with it.

Once you actually look at one, you'll decide on literally any other car, it's from the same disgusting design as the BMW x4/x6 school

With that type of commute, you could and should go electric, assuming you have a driveway to charge in, or work offers charging. You would save a ton of diesel money, and most new EVs can do that 200 km trip in one go without stopping. You only need to figure out where to charge it when you're visiting the family.

My commute is similar to yours and I changed from diesel to electric three years ago and I reckon I saved about €2,500 a year in fuel (maybe that included tax savings, but you get the general idea). Look at a few EVs and do your homework on the costs - might be worth your while. The little bit of charging hassle that you occasionally encounter is worth it.

I disagree. I have seen a few about as well as looked at them at the dealership and think they look great. The thing that makes the BMWs so ugly is there oversized grill and the size of the things. The Arkana does not have on ugly grill or badge it has the best looking badge in the car world and the car is a decent size not oversized.

Oh Christ, another wannabe Gretta. The same concerned planet worriers who will no doubt be buying lots of unnecessary **** over the next month because it's Christmas, delivered by couriers in diesel vans and trucks. Then all the unwanted packaging left over stuffed into a recycle bin for someone else to worry about. Oh and the same ones who will be looking forward to next year's summer holiday abroad and have no problem getting on a polluting airplane or ferry.

Producing everything has a cost to the planet so look at the bigger picture.

The only reason people use diesel cars is the cost of the fuel. If petrol was always 10 cent cheaper then people would have been buying petrol cars all along.

It's costing me all added up with with diesel, insurance, tax and car a loan around 500 euro a month. Plus no range anxiety. To PCP an electric with decent range it would cost me more. Until the infrastructure is better and the prices come down, diesel is a better option.

I'm surprised very few people mention how a diesel will hemorrhage value over the new few years, especially compared to hybrid/ ev

Very hard to a used petrol after 2008. Often diesel is your only choice unless you buy a newish car.