Motoring expert James May has sparked debate on social media after criticising diesel vehicles, describing them as "joyless" and a "drudge".
The former Top Gear and The Grand Tour host made his feelings clear about petrol and diesel cars on social media.
Writing to his three million followers on the social media platform, he explained why he preferred using petrol cars compared to vehicles with diesel engines.
Taking to social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr May said: "A petrol engine is so clearly superior to a diesel for a car.
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"Petrol is liberal, free-spirited, and eager. Diesel is a drudge, and drones on like the owner talking about 'the motorway cruise'.
"Diesel is like a sandwich: fuel, but nothing more, and is joyless."
One of the top responses to his tweet was from Formula One legend Damon Hill, who stated that diesel vehicles have a "much better low-end torque".
Another commenter reiterated Mr Hill's comments, with James May responding that they should "go electric" if they want low-end torque.
James May sparked a debate on petrol and diesel cars over the weekend
|PA
The 62-year-old motoring expert responded to a comment, noting that he had considered the debate while driving his diesel Land Rover.
The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), petrol remains the most popular fuel type, with 880,000 new petrol vehicles being registered between January and December 2025.
In comparison, diesel sales have fallen almost 16 per cent year-on-year, with less than 98,000 new vehicles being sold.
Petrol still controls the largest market share of new vehicles, with 47 per cent. This is followed by EVs (22.7 per cent), hybrids (14 per cent), plug-in hybrids (11.1 per cent) and diesel (5.2 per cent).
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New data also shows that there is an increasing amount of interest in electric cars, with the number of EVs set to overtake diesels by the end of the decade.
Research shows that the number of diesel cars on Great Britain's roads has fallen below 10 million, while electric vehicles continue to sell at pace.
After hundreds of responses to his original post, the TV presenter thanked his followers for joining in the petrol and diesel debate.
He continued, writing: "You dieselists are a defensive lot. Yes torque, yes mpg, yes energy density, blah blah blah.
Diesel sales have fallen dramatically in recent years
| PA"But you know, don't you, deep in the deserted carport of your hearts, that when you reach for the black nozzle at the fuel pump, everyone around you looking on feels a pang of pity for you. And you feel one for yourself."
Labour remains steadfast in its commitment to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by the end of the decade.
From here, electric and plug-in hybrids will be on sale until 2035, before only zero emission vehicles will be on the market.