While hybrid cars are nice and all, good diesel cars still, for the most part, kick the tar out of them when it comes to milage. If somebody came up with a diesel hybrd, they’d probably be rich. But in the meanwhile, Honda is showing off a diesel Accord that gets over 60 MPG (and I hear there are VWs that will get close to that as well). Naturally, this as news that the United States ranks at the bottom when it comes to fuel-economy standards.
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Diesel is the way to go because the cars seem to last longer. My dad only drives diesel and his mercedes is like 22 years old and runs better than my Jeep.
Back in the UK, I have an A-class Mercedes. Nice little car. Can carry 4 adults and luggage. Quick enough for the motorway (freeway), small enough for the city. Gets an average of 62mpg from a 1.8 diesel engine. If only I could find the same thing over here.
Just to add (because I forgot – nothing new), Nissan, Toyota, GM Europe and Citroen are all working on diesel hybrids. Toyota’s is rumored to be on the market in 2010. GM Europe may beat them to it with a diesel hybrid of it’s Astra model in 2009. As of 2008, Saturn will be selling a rebadged version of the Astra. Whether they’ll bring over the diesel hybrid is another matter.
I’m looking seriously at that new Smart car that is about $12,000.
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/
While it wouldn’t be practical for hauling the family, it would be great for work and back, getting 60MPG.
Might even spring for the convertible.