New York Times outlines pros and cons of new diesels coming to the US market in 2008 – 2010. Article notes new arrivals from VW, Audi, Mercedes, Acura, Nissan, Jeep and others.
A snapshot below. Read more
Pros
- Mileage is 25 percent to 40 percent higher than gasoline.
- Carbon dioxide emissions are lower.
- Highway mileage and performance are better than hybrids’.
- High torque is well suited to large pickups and S.U.V.’s.
- Extended driving range means less frequent fill-ups.
- Engines are robust, often lasting 300,000 miles or more.
Cons
- Engines and emissions systems can be costly.
- Diesel fuel currently costs far more than gasoline.
- Like gasoline, diesel is a petroleum product from foreign suppliers.
- Though outdated, image as a dirty technology lingers.
- Only 42 percent of American filling stations have diesel pumps.
- Some companies’ latest emissions controls require refills of urea.
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Refills of urea??? Hmm, I see a solution here, just try not to picture it too graphically.
They forgot to mention that once you have a diesel for a little while you will be hooked for life.