In Europe about half the cars sold are equipped with diesel engines, in the United States this drops to under five percent.
This is rapidly changing; improved diesel engine technology has come a long way in eliminating the two things that American drivers seem to dislike about diesels; the noise and the black smoke.
Today, Volkswagen TDI diesel engines are designed to operate on low sulfur fuel, this so called “clean diesel” is now mandatory in the US; it produces less in the way of pollution and considerably reduces the obnoxious smell and trail of black smoke.
It is good that diesel engines are getting better, diesels are one way that the automotive industry in the US can meet the new fuel efficiency standards that have to be met, the industry must increase the average mileage of the models they produce from the current 27.5 mpg to 35.5 mpg and this comes into effect in 2016.
This is all well and good but is a diesel engine car right for you?
* Fuel economy and range: Although the prices of fuel have dropped considerably, if history repeats itself, low fuel prices will not stay forever. Even though diesel fuel is a little more expensive than gasoline, they get better economy, a typical Volkswagen TDI diesel engine will get around 30 percent better fuel economy, which is a big advantage under any circumstances but will get even bigger when fuel prices head back up. Not only does the diesel give better fuel economy, you can go greater distances between fuel stops.
* Higher resale value: If you buy a new car and keep it until it’s ready for the junk yard then the resale value is not important, but for those who do trade their cars, a diesel can be resold for more money. The reason is quite simple, a Volkswagen TDI diesel engine is more durable than a gasoline powered engine; it lasts longer.
* Higher torque: A diesel engine is a more powerful engine. You may not know exactly what torque is but you do know the feeling of power from a big V8 when you overtake a car on the expressway or when you are towing a load. A diesel engine gives you that same feeling of power, even though the engine capacity is a lot less.
Even though the initial price of a diesel powered car is a little more than a comparable gasoline powered model the price increase is justifiable when you consider the fuel savings and the higher resale value.
The Volkswagen TDI diesel engine offers superior fuel economy and considerably higher torque. To drive a new VW vehicle today with a TDI diesel engine you are invited to visit Hawk Volkswagen of Joliet.
