Car buyers are turning their backs on diesel powered cars in favour of petrol models according to new research by Whatcar.com in the UK.

The latest What Car? Intelligence survey results show that more than 7 in 10 buyers would be likely or very likely to choose a petrol car, compared with 4 in 10 who would consider buying a diesel.

It appears that with engine performance and good fuel consumption being rated as the two most important factors for car buyers, the shift from diesel to petrol is more about running costs than concerns about the environment, following the diesel emissions scandal last year.

In recent years, diesel car sales have matched or exceeded petrol sales; in 2014 and 2015, diesel models represented 50.1% and 48.5% market share respectively. More than 84% of car buyers surveyed are also worried about possible legislation changes that may affect the cost of ownership of diesel cars in the future.

The research also shows hybrids and electric cars are even less tempting for prospective car buyers, with only 12% to 32% of buyers considering diesel or petrol hybrid vehicles. Over 48% of buyers said they would be very unlikely to consider an electric car.

What Car? editor, Steve Huntingford, said, “There appears to have been a dramatic shift in the petrol and diesel sales seesaw. In the 2000s, legislation changes resulted in a diesel boom but after last year’s revelations and the emergence of extremely efficient downsized petrol engines, the tide has now turned.”