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VW Launches Diesel Tutorial Site for Americans

May 12, 2009 in Biodiesel, Consumer News, MPG, diesel by kristen | No comments

Well, anyone can visit the site to learn about Volkswagen’s TDI clean-diesel engines, but it’s aimed at U.S. car buyers, who are still a bit leery of the technology.

The first hurdle in America is cost. In Europe, gasoline carries a heavy tax, making diesel vehicles the cheaper choice in the long run, despite higher initial cost. VW wants to convince us here in the U.S. of the value of fewer fill-ups and great gas mileage — like the nearly 40 mpg I got in the Jetta TDI Sportwagen.

Second is the lingering perception that diesel is stinky and gross. Thanks to strict emissions standards in the U.S. — and stricter standards on the way — diesel is no longer the sooty, smelly mess of a fuel that it used to be. Clean diesel pretty much lives up to its name, and VW rival Mercedes has a tail-pipe treatment in the BlueTec system that cleans the emissions further.

Don’t forget the benefits of biodiesel, especially when it can be made from post-consumer oils. VW has long been on the biodiesel wagon, even allowing customers to use it without violating the warranties on their new diesels.

I was at a meeting with Stefan Jacoby, CEO of VW North America, last week. He said VW is leaning heavily on its clean-diesel and improved gasoline technologies to improve fuel efficiency by as much as 50% in the next few years rather than investing heavily in hybrids and EVs. We’ll find out in the next decade how that strategy plays out for VW, versus the likes of GM’s Chevy Volt extended-range EV or Mitsubishi’s i MiEV.

Image by Kristen Hall-Geisler.

2009 VW Jetta TDI SportWagen: The Fuel Economy Test Drive

March 25, 2009 in Biodiesel, Consumer News, MPG, diesel, test drives by kristen | 3 comments

2009 VW Jetta TDI SportWagen

This poor 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagen got a real workout during the week I had it. I had made plans to stay at the Oregon coast, about 100 miles from my home. Then I got roped into a meeting held near Olympia, Washington, about 120 miles from home. All told, I put nearly 500 miles on the odometer — and used almost exactly one full tank of gas.

The diesel engine was quiet, started immediately, and smelled like nothing. It took the hills and curves over the Coast Range like it was a game, and both my short self and my tall husband were comfortable during the ride. The EPA estimates for the Jetta TDI SportWagen are 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway. I ended up doing quite a bit of highway driving — more than I intended, actually — and was happy with my 37 mpg at the end of the week.

One word of caution to potential buyers: there was no indication on the gas cap that this car required diesel fuel. Drivers are not allowed to pump their own gas in Oregon (or New Jersey), and the attendant had the regular gasoline nozzle in his hand and was about to fill ‘er up. “No! No! Diesel!” I screamed inside the car. Luckily, he heard me and switched to good old B5 (that’s 5% biodiesel, suitable for winter driving). Close call, and one to be aware of if you’re not filling your own diesel tank.

Jetta TDI dash

  • 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagen
  • As tested: $29,410, including destination charge
  • 2.0L diesel engine rated 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway
  • 6.4 tons of carbon dioxide emitted annually, on average

Images by Kristen Hall-Geisler.

This car was provided for review by the manufacturer at no cost to the reviewer.

L.A. Auto Show Green Car Round-Up

December 3, 2008 in Consumer News, EVs, Hybrids, MPG, diesel by kristen | No comments

The Los Angeles Auto Show just came to a close, and not surprisingly, manufacturers brought a lot of green cars to the event. There were high-mpg gasoline cars, electric cars, clean diesels, and more. (Ferrari and Bentley also brought expensive gas guzzlers, but I’m willing to bet the market for those is pretty small.)

Here, then, is the Good Green Cars round-up of the enviro-friendly autos that were at the L.A. Auto Show.

  • Ford hybrids: Ford brought the all new 2010 Fusion hybrid and 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid to L.A. The cars are nearly identical but for a few styling cues and trim levels, and they share the new lighter hybrid system found in the current Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs. The cars can go 47 mph on electric power only, according to Ford.
  • Hyundai Blue Drive: This isn’t a new engine technology; rather, it’s Hyundai’s strategy to reach a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2015. It includes the 2010 Sonata hybrid, high-mileage “Blue” versions of the 2009 Accent and Elantra, and a future crossover with a gasoline direct-injection engine.
  • Lexus hybrid SUV: The 2010 Lexus RX 450h gets its first update since its introduction, with more horsepower and better exhaust-heat recovery. It also gets its own distinctive grille. No further word yet on whether Lexus could be Toyota’s all-hybrid brand in the future.
  • Mini EV: The Mini E plug-in electric vehicle made its official debut in L.A. Only a handful will be available anytime soon, and those will be tested by private and corporate customers in California, New York, and New Jersey. The Mini E can go 150 miles on a charge, with a top speed of 95 mph.
  • Volkswagen diesels: VW expands its clean-diesel TDI technology to the latest Touareg SUV, which means it passes California’s stringent emissions laws. The EPA rates it at 25 mpg, and it will be available in all 50 states. This is the same technology that earned the Jetta TDI the “Green Car of the Year” award at the show.