Sunday, February 05, 2006

Diesel interest powers up

By Tony Whitney - The Hamilton Spectator Feb 2, 2006

Few topics seem to attract more reader input than diesel power. Comments come from three distinctive types of driver -- those who already drive a diesel-powered vehicle, those who plan to buy one and those who'd consider buying one.
Interest in diesel power seems to be quite high in Canada but, as far as passenger cars, SUVs and minivans go, almost non-existent in the U.S. This is probably why we have a limited number of choices in the market here, although products have been becoming more available of late.
At least the choice of diesel-powered vehicles is surprisingly wide -- everything from a tiny SmartCar to a handsome Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan.
Volkswagen has always been faithful to diesel and offers several models. You can even buy a Jeep Liberty SUV with a diesel engine now.
People who rent a diesel-powered vehicle for a European holiday or business trip always come back amazed at the diesel's economy, smoothness, power and lack of visible emissions.
Diesels are so popular in Europe that technology has improved to the point where a driver would think there was a well-engineered gasoline engine under the hood. Their performance usually surprises people who aren't accustomed to the current crop of diesels.

Read full article here.

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