Diesel Vs. Hybrid: When Will Diesels Hit Our Shores?
I've been curious to see a test comparing the real-world mileage of a modern Diesel and a hybrid. Fortunately, the team at Popular Mechanics just published a head-to-head comparison of the new VW Jetta TDi and a Prius. The results aren't totally surprising (spoiler alert): The Prius did better around town where the electric-only propulsion was used to maximum effect and the Jetta eaked out an advantage on the freeway. The Jetta also wins when it comes to driving dynamics. They do a few calculations about purchase price vs. higher Diesel fuel cost but forget to add in the apparently common dealer markup on the rare new Jetta oil-burner.
I haven't driven the new U.S.-bound TDi but did spend some quality time with an Audi A4 2.0 TDi rental in England last summer. I was handily impressed by the quiet and torque-happy nature of this engine. I'll admit that I'm a fan of modern Diesel engines and am swayed by the promise of an available manual transmission, a wagon body-style, the reported longevity and low maintenance requirements of Diesels, and the simpler nature of a car with a single propulsion system rather than two plus an expensive battery pack. Then again, the Prius is an amazing piece of engineering and the rumored 2010 plug-in hybrid Prius promises to expand the car's dominance in around-town driving efficiency. Watch this space... we definitely live in interesting times when it comes to automotive technology.
I also just stumbled upon an interesting article in Winding Road's latest online edition that outlines in detail the new Diesel-powered vehicles which are confirmed or rumored to be coming to the U.S. Market in the next couple of years. It's an interesting read, particularly given the lack of interest in the technology by most of the American manufacturers, at least when it comes to passenger cars rather than light-duty trucks. Since it was GM who is often blamed for single-handedly destroying the reputation of Diesel engines in the U.S. with their poorly executed engines during the last big fuel crunch of the 1970s and 1980s, I guess one can't blame them for being too gun-shy.
Steve Haas
Stumble It!
I haven't driven the new U.S.-bound TDi but did spend some quality time with an Audi A4 2.0 TDi rental in England last summer. I was handily impressed by the quiet and torque-happy nature of this engine. I'll admit that I'm a fan of modern Diesel engines and am swayed by the promise of an available manual transmission, a wagon body-style, the reported longevity and low maintenance requirements of Diesels, and the simpler nature of a car with a single propulsion system rather than two plus an expensive battery pack. Then again, the Prius is an amazing piece of engineering and the rumored 2010 plug-in hybrid Prius promises to expand the car's dominance in around-town driving efficiency. Watch this space... we definitely live in interesting times when it comes to automotive technology.
I also just stumbled upon an interesting article in Winding Road's latest online edition that outlines in detail the new Diesel-powered vehicles which are confirmed or rumored to be coming to the U.S. Market in the next couple of years. It's an interesting read, particularly given the lack of interest in the technology by most of the American manufacturers, at least when it comes to passenger cars rather than light-duty trucks. Since it was GM who is often blamed for single-handedly destroying the reputation of Diesel engines in the U.S. with their poorly executed engines during the last big fuel crunch of the 1970s and 1980s, I guess one can't blame them for being too gun-shy.
Steve Haas
Labels: Diesel, Hybrids, MotaMouth
Stumble It!
posted by Miss Mota Mouth@ 10:56 PM 2 Comments
2 Comments:
You used to be able to get the Jeep Liberty with a diesel but I think that option is gone now.
I think you can call U.S. drivers fickle. We know what we like and we like what we know. Creatures of habit when it comes to car shopping. That applies to just about everything, come to think of it!
I see American car buyers going for hybrids before diesels. Like you mentioned, diesels had a chance years ago. The generation exposed to that unsuccessful bid are still around.
It could change if bio-diesel becomes readily available. Then you'll see the new 'Green' generation accept it as an alternative to a vehicle powered by fossil fuel.
I remember as a kid that my parents (libs *at the time* and not sure why they have changed now other than having a carbon footprint feel like an invasion of privacy) bought a diesel Mercedes in circa 1980 and we spent most of out road trip from New Mexico to San Diego searching for diesel fuel!
Oh the times....they are-a-cha-chinging.
Best,
Michelle
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