Comments on: German Clean Diesels Hit Detroit Auto Show

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:25:38 +0000

I am not sure if you know this or not but diesels are not the loud smelly vehicles they use to be. Diesels are not very loud at all anymore.

By: Collin

Collin — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:37:55 +0000

I apologize to you, because your statements are outdated. You need to go test-drive a Clean Diesel vehicle. Then come back & comment with your experience. Clean Diesel vehicles do not emit odors or smoke. The exhaust pipe is squeaky clean. As for under-powered the new Clean Diesels have soooo much acceleration. I out accelerate other luxury vehicles uphill while I drive my TDI. I love my TDI.

By: Kevintroy

Kevintroy — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:24:51 +0000

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By: veek

veek — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:02:53 +0000

Hans-Juergen:
Thanks for your input.
The site you mentioned seems to be a collection of individual self-reported user inputs, with all the good points and bad points of this method.
Yes, the diesels seem to make great sense in Europe. However, in the US, the cost of diesel relative to gasoline is significantly high, although this too is subject to change. In the past, diesel fuel has often been cheaper than gasoline. When I look at the mileage of the Benz and BMW diesels, especially the SUV's, I am disappointed, but they seem to do very well in Europe (I have driven in Europe and this is not just the difference in gallon size, etc.).
I think the Europeans also have the better idea with regard to fuel taxes and the responsibilities of drivers, no doubt.
In addition, as many people have pointed out on this and other sites, diesel engines themselves are likely to be durable (perhaps as durable as the hybrid systems), but in other areas of cost (like repair records and cost of repairs), the European makes have not done so well in the US (perhaps they are built better for the home markets).

By: Hans-Juergen

Hans-Juergen — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:14:38 +0000

My Car is an Audi A2 1.2TDI, Build 2001. I bought it 2 years ago to drive the 100 miles from my old home to my new workplace in Weissach. The Fuel Consumtion varies from 50mpg (pedal to the metall, vmax=111mph) to 80mpg (driving 70mph). Due to long 5th. gear it isn’t even noisy when going fast. Two month ago my brother changed his A2 1.2 TDI into a Prius because he needed a five-seater instead a four-seater. Even he is more cautious with the pedals than I am, his Prius is going only 45mpg max. !!!
In Germany th ultimate Web page for fuel consumption of cars is the following:
http://www.spritmonitor.de/en/overview/3-Audi/1063-A2_3L.html

I dream there would be an Audi A2 1.2 TDI hybrid !!!

My A2 has atomatic AC, seat heating, BOSE Sound system, Fog Lights and has a 350 liter trunk.

Hans-Juergen

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:22:50 +0000

To the people that frequent this site if you are truly interested in green cars, check out the European Ford Fiesta ECOnetic 1.6L TDCi turbodiesel. This car has a combined driving rating of 64 mpg. This car has received rave reviews, and numerous awards all over Europe. If you really want to look at the big ecological picture think about jets, trains, tractors, trucks, and any other diesel powered equipment. I believe clean diesel technology is a logical segue to Utopian vehicles and energy distribution. I don’t understand why there isn’t more interest in companies like Solazyme that are developing and producing renewable algae based biofuels.

By: Shines

Shines — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:50:22 +0000

Dom,
This is hybridcars.com so I think it may be appropriate to make comparisons between hybrids and non.
I wanted to make the comparison because I have seen the quality and reliability of VWs go down over the years. I think its important for people to realize that although the Diesel is a reliable engine there is more to a vehicle than just the engine.
The article referencesthe Jetta TDI...
The people who are most likely to buy the roadster or the Mercedes are not likely to frequent this site anyway (IMO).

By: simon@aus

simon@aus — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:55:59 +0000

I think that petrol cars age better than diesel cars: there’s nothing worse than getting stuck behind some old clapped out diesel going up a hill. Alright these cars are great now – what about down the line? Hybrids are better.

By: Dom

Dom — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:09:17 +0000

Why are you people debating the Prius and the Jetta?? This article mentions three cars, and oh, NONE of them are in the same league! The VW Bluesport is a small roadster that could get up to 55mpg, which probably be the first such vehicle in the US (no I'm not counting the Tesla because I don't have a first-born to spare to buy it).
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a large luxury sedan, their first 50-state diesel (and perhaps with a bit of hybrid tech), perhaps getting 40's for even 50's mpg. Pretty good for a large luxury sedan.
The Audi A3 is a small luxury sports hatch, also probably getting 40-50mpg.
I imagine these three cars do not sell to the same customers that would buy a Prius or a Jetta. Even if they do, the intended market for these vehicles is NOT the same. I don't why people here always insist on comparing everything to a Prius like it's the best-thing-since-sliced-bread do-everything vehicle with the only possible improvement being a built-in bread maker to make the bread to slice...

By: RKRB

RKRB — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:27:04 +0000

Yes, the Deutsche Diesels will get rave reviews from the pseudo-sophisticate go-fast automotive press, and lots of people will be talking about superior German engineering and fun and frolic, and the like. We've owned seven German cars so we know the lines.

But my advice is: go for the extended warranty. Also, don't lose your mechanics' phone numbers, and don't think you are buying a practical, hard-wired-durable efficiencymobile.

But enough practicality. Fun they may be, their image is just so cool, and they use good grades of plastic on the interior. If they bring in an entertaining car like the convertible they should do well in this market.