Like most, I have memories of dirty diesels chugging down the road like a locomotive spitting out this oily smoke full of soot. My image of this other fuel source changed in my college years. As mentioned before, I worked for AAA Roadside for several years. A majority of our fleet was diesel and for obvious reasons. Work vehicles need the reliability and torque of a diesel motor.
Now, the industry has recognized that in order for the American market to accept diesel engines it would take making them a cleaner, less obnoxious source of power. With Mercedes' Bluetec taking the diesel industry to the next level last year, we can expect many following suit. This evolution has influenced a trend and has actually hurt hybrid sales. Diesel can be clean and sooner than later everyone will see that.
A recent study found that consumer consideration for purchasing clean-diesel vehicles, which were newly introduced to the open market in 2007, is at 23%. Compared to 2006 when only 12% of shoppers considered diesel vehicles. On average, consumers are willing to pay an additional $1,491 for the clean-diesel option and expect an average additional fuel economy of 15 mpg.
I think many hybrid owners may grind their granola when the new mpg rating system comes out in '08. Here is a snapshot comparing the new, more accurate mpg ratings to a few current diesel autos out there.
make/model cty/hwy
Toyota Prius 48/45
Honda Civic hybrid 40/45
Toyota Camry hybrid 33/34
Diesel powered:
Mazda 3 39/57
VW Golf/Rabbit 42/47
Audi A4 37/61
VW Polo Blue Motion
Soon the BMW 1 series is coming to the this side of the drink with a diesel engine that does 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and gets over 54 MPG! It is said that the VW Polo Blue Motion flaunting it's 62 mpg average on diesel is on the way as well. There is a good reason why over 50% of autos in Europe utilize this source of power and it's no wonder with the gas mileage you get. I forecast a large increase of diesel auto in the states over the next 5 years.
So save the unnecessary hybrid price hike and step away from the expensive batteries, diesel is our new friend.
Happy Motoring,
Lance
Hi Lance...VC GTO here...Just wanted to say Hi! I saw your column!
;-)
Yep, diesels are typically more efficient due to the higher compression. Europe is way ahead when it comes to innovative engine design and I wonder just how much politics plays in deciding what's sold in the US[?].
You may recall that VW had a diesel pick-up back in the late 70's early 80's. I had an opportunity to drive one across country and we probably got around 53 mpg - again this was back in 82. It didn't leave a trail of smoke and had good acceleration and driveability.
I'd bet the Polo and Series1 will be good sellers.
Cheers,
Pete
Pete...just a clarification. Higher engine compression does not necessarily equate to greater efficiency. Perhaps the best way to explain a diesel engine's ability to produce better economy compared to a gasoline engine is that diesel fuel contains more BTU's than gasoline--there is more energy to harness.