Garree001 said:

I am glossing over the company that was done for cheating and the fact that the tests are conducted in sterile environments. These don't really add or subtract from the points I am making.

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https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/25/11501922/fiat-diesel-emissions-test-cheat-possible

Oops, that will be my 2 litre diesel Euro 6 engine then

Forget the government, the polluting qualities of diesel fuel have been well known for a very long time, this is actually not news. If the public did not read about this it is their fault I'm afraid, and remember, ignorance is no defence in law. Certainly diesel cars had low tax because of misguided environmental anxiety over carbon dioxide.

I work in a place where people bring their sickly children to get treatment. Often those same parents sit in cars with Diesel engines ticking over unnecessarily and seem unable to make any connection. As I said, ignorance is no defence but many people will not be told.

Alanw47 said:

https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/25/11501922/fiat-diesel-emissions-test-cheat-possible

Oops, that will be my 2 litre diesel Euro 6 engine then

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Unfortunately no set of rules will ever be tamper proof. If someone is determined to cheat/break rules, then they'll generally succeed - sometimes they are caught and sometimes they are not. Happens in all walks of life.

Garee, I think your sum up above is spot-on. I like the mid range pull of my 140 Multiair, but my wife's normally aspirated Suzuki comes much closer to the "official" average mpg, and can sometimes exceed it. I never achieved that with my 500 Twinair, and I'm sure I won't with the 500X.
Diesel is probably still the best choice for high milers, or those who tow.

I have a 1.4 6 speed auto and I agree its fidgety in all modes. Sport is pretty quick down the country lanes but annoying elsewhere so I just leave it in normal mode, this seems to over rev and I am still trying to adjust to that. Traction mode just doesn't accelerate, I assume to stop you booting it in slippery conditions. Never ever monitored fuel usage in my life, I just fill it up and drive it. It wont use any less if I monitor it I'm sure. Not even on 4k miles yet so still waiting for this to wear in. Plus side, great looking car, nice inside as well. Easy to park for the size. I had a Punto CVT that was smooth and pretty quick and these new fangled auto are just odd lol