The diesel engine has never really gotten a fair shake here in the United States, for a variety of reasons. Beyond the biggest of consumer-grade pickup trucks, the majority of diesel engines offered here in the U.S. have been below par, souring many drivers on the notion that an oil-burner can work as everyday transportation. As evidenced by our recent review of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, however, those concerns are ancient history with today's crop of diesel-powered passenger vehicles.
So, what's holding American drivers back from demanding modern clean diesels? There are a few problems, and the high cost of diesel fuel has been one major deterrent. Perhaps that pricing disparity will also be a thing of the past, as the most recent national polling data shows that the average gallon of diesel fuel costs just under that of premium gasoline (218.6 pennies per gallon of diesel versus 219.8 for premium). The best news is that there is more potential energy in each gallon of diesel, making a full tank last longer and make more power than a comparable tank of gasoline. So, is it finally time to reconsider diesel?
[Source: EIA via The Car Connection]
So, what's holding American drivers back from demanding modern clean diesels? There are a few problems, and the high cost of diesel fuel has been one major deterrent. Perhaps that pricing disparity will also be a thing of the past, as the most recent national polling data shows that the average gallon of diesel fuel costs just under that of premium gasoline (218.6 pennies per gallon of diesel versus 219.8 for premium). The best news is that there is more potential energy in each gallon of diesel, making a full tank last longer and make more power than a comparable tank of gasoline. So, is it finally time to reconsider diesel?
[Source: EIA via The Car Connection]
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