Road Test: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Summit 4×4
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel is the poster child for American off-roading (or pseudo-off-roading in most cases).
2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The 2015 Jetta TDI SE has had minor but important interior and exterior design changes that make it the best overall car in its class for comfort, torque, fuel economy and ease of operation.
Road Test: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI – DSG Automatic
While both TDIs are very nice cars and equally worth owning, I lean towards the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI with the automatic versus the manual.
First Drive: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon
when General Motors decided to retire the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado in 2012 and start over, they had to completely rethink what the 2015 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado would look like and how they could become, on their debut, the segment leaders in different categories to get midsize truck buyer’s attention versus the only two competitors in this segment, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.
Test Drive: 2013/2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 With Start-Stop
Mercedes-Benz has added start-stop technology to its compact SUV, the GLK, along with direct injection and diesel engine technology, to boost fuel economy. It’s a win-win-win with better fuel economy, more power and all of the usual Mercedes luxury.
Road Test: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel LT
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is rated at 46 Highway/27 City with an average of 33 MPG. Sounds pretty good, but it can get even better because, if you have a light foot on the accelerator, you might even get closer to 50 MPG on the highway. So, what’s not to like about GM’s Mileage King?
Comparison Road Test: 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid vs. 2013 Jetta TDI
Diesel and hybrid owners have very different reasons for owning each vehicle. After my back-to-back drives, I will suggest that anyone considering a Jetta hybrid for its environmental statement also add the diesel to your shopping list.
The hybrid gets better fuel economy, rides smoother, is quieter and fun to drive, especially when the Boost mode kicks-in. But the diesel engines of 2013 burn clean, are smoke-free, get very good fuel economy and offer a torque/acceleration experience found on more expensive cars.
So which to buy? You will have to run the numbers of an approximate $2,000 base price premium for the hybrid against the number of miles you drive and of course, your personal needs. If you drive mostly in the city or with significant freeway stop-and-go traffic, then making the hybrid investment may well be worth your while. If you do mostly open freeway driving, then the diesel will deliver mpg in the high 40 range, which is oh so great.
Top 10 Best-Selling High-MPG Cars in March 2013
High-mileage cars are off to a great start for the year with sales up 18% in these three categories in for the first three months of the year compared to last year. The monthly sales average continues to creep up so it is conceivable that sales could edge closer to a million units if the trend continues, which would definitely solidify the market for alternatives to conventional gasoline engines. The first quarter indicates it could be a very good year for high-MPG cars.
Better Fuel Economy Front-and-Center at 2013 NY Auto Show
You need look no further than the 2013 New York International Auto Show media preview this last week to see that automakers are aggressively laying out multiple paths to get to the fuel economy goals of the U.S., Europe and Japan. Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, diesels and advanced gasoline engines (as well as other technologies) point to a diverse future.
Cruze Diesel – High MPG Without Battery
Finally, February 2013 at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel was introduced to the media.