Petrol & Diesel Are Back: The Shock Car Trend Everyone’s Talking About

2025 has delivered one of the most surprising shifts in the UK automotive world — and it’s happening faster than anyone expected.

After years of declining sales, growing restrictions, and predictions that petrol and diesel cars were on their way out, new UK data shows a sudden surge in demand for traditional fuel vehicles. Petrol and diesel registrations have climbed sharply this quarter, reversing a trend that many believed was irreversible.

So why are petrol and diesel making a comeback in 2025?
And what does this mean for drivers choosing their next car?

Let’s break down the story everyone in the car world is talking about this week.

The Big Rebound: Petrol & Diesel Sales Jump in 2025

According to the latest UK market figures:

• Petrol car sales have risen significantly year-on-year

• Diesel — previously thought to be “dead” — has seen a small but unexpected revival

• Hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales continue growing, but not as fast as predicted

• EV sales have slowed compared with the previous two years

It’s the first time in a long while that combustion engines have gained market share instead of losing it.

This sharp rebound has surprised manufacturers, analysts and leasing companies alike — and has created fresh conversations around fuel choice in 2025.

Why Are Drivers Switching Back to Petrol and Diesel?

There’s no single reason — instead, several factors have collided at once.

Here are the major ones:

The 2030 Ban Delay Changed Consumer Confidence

When the UK pushed the petrol/diesel ban back from 2030 to 2035, everything shifted.

Drivers suddenly felt:

• less rushed

• less pressured into an EV

• more comfortable choosing a petrol or hybrid for their next cycle

This additional five-year window has stabilised demand for combustion engines and given drivers room to breathe.

Winter Highlighted EV Limitations for Some Drivers

Cold weather has a known impact on EV range — often dropping by 10–30% in winter. Combined with:

• increased public charger demand

• higher electricity prices

• slower charging in cold weather

…some drivers reconsidered whether an EV suits their lifestyle right now.

This doesn’t mean EVs are losing — but it means drivers are choosing based on use case, not hype

Fuel Prices Have Stabilised — For Now

With fuel duty frozen until 2026 and petrol/diesel prices settling after volatile years, running a combustion car feels more predictable for many drivers.
Stability breeds confidence, especially for:

• high-mileage drivers

• rural drivers

• fleets

• business users

Petrol & Hybrid Technology Keeps Getting Better

Manufacturers haven’t stopped improving petrol and hybrid engines. Many 2024–2025 models now offer:

• lower emissions

• better fuel efficiency

• smoother power delivery

• quieter engines

• mild hybrid enhancements

Cars like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Nissan Qashqai, Ford Puma Hybrid and Renault Captur Hybrid offer excellent real-world efficiency without needing a plug.

Depreciation Concerns Are Slowing EV Growth

Rapid drops in used EV prices over the last 12 months have made some drivers hesitant.

Even though leasing protects customers from depreciation, many private buyers are nervous about long-term EV values — causing them to consider petrol or hybrid options instead.

So… Are Petrol and Diesel “Back”?

Not exactly — but they’re certainly not fading away as quickly as predicted.

Here’s what the trend really means:

✔ The UK is entering a “mixed-fuel era”

Drivers are choosing the fuel that suits their lifestyle, not just what’s promoted the most.

✔ EVs are still growing — just more slowly

Electric cars remain strong, especially for home chargers and salary sacrifice users.

✔ Hybrids are becoming the new mainstream

They offer efficiency without the range limitations of full EVs.

✔ Diesel still makes sense for specific roles

Heavy motorway mileage, towing, rural driving, and commercial use.

The key message:
The car market isn’t going electric-only — it’s becoming more balanced than ever.

What This Means for Drivers Choosing Their Next Car

If you’re considering your next lease, this trend is useful. It means:

1. You have more real choice than ever

EV, hybrid, petrol and diesel are all viable depending on your needs.

2. Petrol & hybrid leasing deals may remain strong

Especially as manufacturers clear stock or rebalance supply.

3. Diesel is becoming a niche option — but a valuable one

If you do 20,000+ miles a year, diesel may still be your most efficient choice.

4. EVs are still best for home chargers and business users

Benefit-in-Kind savings remain unbeatable for company cars.

Final Thought: 2025 Is All About Choosing What Fits Your Life

The biggest story in motoring this week is not that EVs are slowing — it’s that drivers are taking control of their own choices again.

Instead of feeling pushed in one direction, people are stopping, assessing, and picking the fuel type that suits:

• their mileage

• their home charging access

• their budget

• their location

• their family needs

And that’s why petrol and diesel have made an unexpected comeback this year.