As soon as you leave the U.S. you will observe some funny things. You will also notice that diesel cars are more popular in other countries. The diesel engine, which in the U.S. is generally thought of in connection with large tractor-trailer trucks, is one of the most wanted automobile engines on other continents.
There really hasn’t been any significant increase in the number of diesel cars available on the US market since last year. While common in Europe, stricter emissions requirements in some states and the recent temporary bout of high priced diesel fuel here has most car manufacturers hesitant to invest the money for what has only shown to be a small segment of the market so far in the United States.
A new generation of clean diesel cars, light trucks and SUVs is now available and offer consumers a new choice in fuel-efficient and low-emissions technology. Clean diesel is a proven technology that is clean, quiet and fun to drive. In the next year, over a dozen new diesel options choices will be available for car consumers in every state; including California, delivering up to 40 percent better real-world fuel economy, 20 percent fewer CO2 emissions and unparalleled performance and long-term value.
5. Audi A3 TDI
On paper, the Audi A3 TDI is an exercise in futility. The model shares platform bits with a Golf Rabbit. It’s smaller than a Jetta Sportwagen. It carries a lofty price premium; the diesel-powered A3 “boasts” the same engine that can be had across the street at the Vee-Dub for thousands less. It’s not as fast, sporty or capacious as the rear wheel-drive BMW 335d. By any rational measure, the A3 TDI is an answer to a question that few Americans even thought about asking. Which is why it’s better to judge the A3 TDI “in the flesh.”
MSRP: $30,800
MPG: 30 City / 42 Hwy
4. Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC
So what’s the big deal about the Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec? Simple: Its clean-burning 3.0-liter V6 (shared with the GL320 and R320) is the first diesel-fueled engine (other than Dodge’s heavy-duty truck diesels) to pass the stringent 2010 EPA emissions requirements for 50-state certification. While diesels are a fixture in European-market vehicles, the U.S. government has long been leery of the high particulate emissions endemic to these engines. Thanks to Bluetec, stateside Mercedes buyers can enjoy all the benefits of diesel, including superior fuel economy and a reputation for durability, with the full blessing of Uncle Sam.
MSRP: $48,600
MPG: 18 City / 24 Hwy
3. VW Jetta TDI
The new era of clean diesel in America was officially ushered in by the new VW Jetta TDi went on sale in 2009. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-banger that produces 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, it is the first automobile to meet the world’s most stringent emission control standards, California’s Tier II, Bin 5.
More luxurious and larger than the four prior generations, the new Volkswagen Jetta packs enough upscale features to appeal to upwardly mobile Golf and Jetta owners, while drawing new buyers into the fold.
MSRP: $21,900
MPG: 30 City / 41 Hwy
2. BMW335d
The BMW 3 Series is poised to remain America’s best-selling luxury car, and for good reason – it’s an honest-to-goodness driver’s car that’s nonetheless comfortable and stylish enough to appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Drive a BMW 335d and you don’t attract a second glance. Aside from one changed letter in the badge on the trunk, there is nothing to distinguish the BMW 3 Series diesel from the multitudes of 3 Series BMWs on the road. But while the 335d does not make a visual statement, it does say a lot about its driver. It says, “I want excellent fuel economy, and I don’t want to sacrifice performance to get it.” In the 335d, perhaps more so than any other car on the road, you get both.
MSRP: $33,150 – $51,200
MPG: 23 City / 36 Hwy
1. VW Golf TDI
The VW Golf, formerly named the Rabbit, is a great performer with plenty of standard features and a comfortable interior. Though it’s very appealing, its high price undermines its strengths.
This sporty hatchback has been around since 1974. The most recent generation was launched as the Rabbit in 2007, but Volkswagen will revert back to the Golf name for 2010. The name change comes with a handful of mechanical and stylistic changes, including a new fuel-efficient 140-horsepower diesel engine.
MSRP: $17,620 – $23,860
MPG: 30 City / 42 Hwy