Diesel cars are finally gaining acceptance in the U.S., and new diesels are arriving in unexpected places.
According to research by HybridCars.com and Baum and Associates, diesel sales rose by 67.8 percent in 2012 compared to a rise of 13.8 percent for the overall U.S. market.
Mazda will offer a 2.2-liter clean diesel for its all-new Mazda6 starting in the second half of 2013. We’ve driven a 2.2 TD in Europe, and it’s smooth, quiet and punchy. It will also feature Mazda’s Skyactiv-D technology, which essentially means every team in its development was tasked with finding ways to save weight and improve efficiency. So the fuel economy should be impressive. A Mazda3 diesel follows soon.
GM has also dipped its toe into the diesel pool. The compact Chevy Cruze gets a diesel this summer, costing from $25,695, and a diesel ATS is expected; the logic being that downsizers are likely buyers for a frugal diesel.
The new 2.0L turbo-diesel Cruze has demonstrated estimated 42mpg on the highway. At the same time, it’s no slouch, with 148 hp and a 0-60 mph performance of 8.6 seconds.
Diesels pull hard from low revs, so they are well suited to SUVs, particularly if they tow or go off-road. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee adds an EcoDiesel with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 mated to a new fully electronic eight-speed automatic. It delivers 240 hp and 420 lb ft of torque, and achieves 22 mpg city (21 mpg with four-wheel drive) and up to 30 mpg on the highway (28 with four-wheel drive). It can also tow 7,400 lb. The price hasn’t been announced, but is rumored to be a $4,500 premium over the V6 price of $28,000 (est.) The 2014 Dodge Durango, which will be revealed in New York, shares the Grand Cherokee’s platform and will also be offered with this engine.
German manufacturers have always been the most enthusiastic supporters of diesel in the U.S., and Audi recently launched a raft of diesel vehicles, including a full-size luxury A8 to square up against the Mercedes S-class.
Starting at $82,500, the new A8 L TDI quattro® all-wheel drive, achieves an EPA estimated 24/36/28 mpg (city/hwy/combined), while generating an impressive 240horsepower, and 406lb ft of torque that seamlessly launches it from 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds.