DIESEL CARS: Diesel vehicles may be making a comeback. Diesel engines are more powerful and fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline/petrol engines (about 30-35% more fuel efficient). Plus, today's diesel vehicles are much improved over diesels of the past.  Since diesel cars aren't really marketed in the U.S., below is a list of the top 25 fuel efficient cars in Europe.  Notice they all but one run on diesel.  For a list of diesel cars sold in America

Small Cars                Diesel Cars                    Hybrid Cars                   Conclusion

Top Fuel Efficient Cars in Europe

Make

Model Description Transmission Fuel Type MPG (combined)
CITROEN   C1 1.4HDi M5 Diesel 68.9
TOYOTA  Aygo  1.4 D-4D 3 & 5 door 5MT Diesel 68.9
RENAULT   Clio 1.5 dCi 80 (C/BB08EF) M5 Diesel 67.3
CITROEN   C2 1.4HDi M5 Diesel 65.7
FIAT   New Panda 1.3 16v MultiJet M5 Diesel 65.7
TOYOTA
Only gas electric hybrid in top 25.  
Prius 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid E-CVT Petrol Hybrid 65.7
CITROEN   C3 1.4HDi SensoDrive A5 Diesel 65.7
VAUXHALL   Corsa, MY2005 1.3CDTi 16v 5 Door Hatchback MTA5 Diesel 65.6
PEUGEOT   206 1.4 HDi (70 bhp) M5 Diesel 65.6
VAUXHALL   Corsa, MY2006 1.3CDTi 16v 3 Door Hatchback MTA5 Diesel 65.6
VAUXHALL   Corsa, MY2005 1.3CDTi 16v 3 Door Hatchback MTA5 Diesel 64.2
FORD   Fiesta Pre-2006 Model Year 1.4 Duratorq TDCi M5 Diesel G4.2
VAUXHALL   Corsa, MY2006 1.3CDTi 16v 5 Door Hatchback M5 Diesel 64.2
RENAULT   Clio MY 2006 1.5 dCi 86 M5 Diesel 64.2
FORD   Fusion Pre-2006 Model Year 1.4 Duratorq TDCi M5 Diesel 64.2
AUDI   A2 Standard 1.4 TDI (90 PS) M5 Diesel 64.2
VOLKSWAGEN   Lupo 1.7 (60 PS) M5 Diesel 64.2
AUDI   A2 Sport 1.4 TDI (90 PS) M5 Diesel 64.2
FORD   Fiesta 2006 Model Year Onwards 1.6 Duratorq TDCi M5 Diesel 64.2
AUDI   A2 SE 1.4 TDI (90 PS) M5 Diesel 64.2
SMART   forfour 1.5Td 95 bhp (175 tyres)  S/A6 Diesel 64.2
CITROEN   C3 1.6HDi 16v M5 Diesel 64.2
VAUXHALL   Corsa, MY2005 1.3CDTi 16v 5 Door Hatchback ECO M5 Diesel 64.2
VAUXHALL   Corsa, MY2005 1.3CDTi 16v 5 Door Hatchback MTA5 Diesel 64.2


Citroen C1


Toyota Aygo


Vauxhall Corsa


Fiat Panda


Renault Clio

             

Better Performance

Improved fuel injection and electronic engine control technologies have

  • Increased power
  • Improved acceleration
  • Increased efficiency

New engine designs, along with noise- and vibration-damping technologies, have made them quieter and smoother. Old car brochures didn't come with emission ratings or any of the standard knowledge that comes with cars these days. The advancements made since then have made cars efficient in almost every way.  Cold-weather starting has been improved also.

Cleaner

Today's diesels must meet the same emissions standards as gasoline vehicles, and advances in engine technologies, low-sulfur diesel fuel, and improved exhaust treatment have made this possible.

Although emissions of particulates and smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) are still relatively high, new "clean" diesel fuels, such as low-sulfur diesel and biodiesel, and advances in emission control technologies will reduce these pollutants also.

The big problem is that there are very few diesels sold in the U.S.  None of the big 3 automakers has a diesel, unless you want a truck.  Right now, (June 2006) your only source would be  Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes.  Europe has already joined the diesel bandwagon, in 2005, diesel cars accounted for over 50% of all new car purchases in Europe.  Honda, which already sells diesel engine vehicles in Europe, will install the engine in vehicles for the Japanese market as well as the United States.

Low-Sulfur Diesel

Low-sulfur diesel fuel will begin replacing conventional diesel starting in 2006. The new fuel will contain 97% less sulfur than conventional diesel—sulfur will be reduced from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 15 ppm.

Low-sulfur diesel fuel is cleaner-burning, producing less particulate emissions in both older and new engines.

It will also allow the use of improved exhaust treatment devices to reduce emissions of particulates and smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx). These devices can be "poisoned" by the sulfur in conventional diesel fuel.

Biodiesel

 

Biodiesel is a form of diesel fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. It is safe, biodegradable, and produces less air pollutants than regular diesel.

Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100) or blended with petroleum diesel. Lower-level biodiesel blends—up to 20% biodiesel—can be used safely in most diesel engines. Higher blends may also be used in engines built since 1992-94 with little or no modification. (Note: Always consult with the original manufacturer and engine warranty statement before using biodiesel.)

Biodiesel has several advantages over petroleum diesel fuel, but there are also some challenges to using it, as shown in the table below.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Biodiesel

 

 

(Portions From http://www.fueleconomy.gov)

Small Cars                Diesel Cars                    Hybrid Cars                   Conclusion

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