The Best Clean Diesel Cars: Top Choices Including the Audi A3 and VW Jetta
Diesel vs. Clean Diesel Cars
The problem with regular diesel fuel is that it emits a lot of carbon and other nasty byproducts. But now there are clean diesel vehicles and biodiesel, a low carbon fuel refined from used vegetable oils and animal fats, that can be used in diesel vehicles without any modification to the vehicle’s engine.
There is a lot of uncertainty out there with alternative fuel vehicles but buying a diesel vehicle right now covers all your bases. You can meet more stringent mileage requirements imposed by the EPA with regular diesel fuel which in itself lessens global warming impacts because you go further with less fuel and you can run your clean diesel engine effortlessly with B5 biodiesel (that is 5 % biodiesel added to regular diesel fuel) cutting carbon emissions even more.
What is so special about clean diesel? Clean diesel vehicles have special emission control technology that lowers the nitrous oxide and sulphur emissions; using biodiesel fuel lessens carbon emissions even more. Buying a clean diesel vehicle gets phenomenal mileage on its own and you can use B5 biodiesel (higher blends are usable however, most of the manufacturers will not cover warranties if you use higher blends). Any fuel you choose is good for the environment and you sacrifice nothing in performance.
Why Your Next Vehicle Should Run on Clean Diesel
There is a lot of uncertainty out there with alternative fuel vehicles but buying a diesel vehicle right now covers all your bases. You can meet more stringent mileage requirements imposed by the EPA with regular diesel fuel which in itself lessens global warming impacts because you go further with less fuel and you can run your clean diesel engine effortlessly with B5 biodiesel (that is 5 % biodiesel added to regular diesel fuel) cutting carbon emissions even more.
What is so special about clean diesel? Clean diesel vehicles have special emission control technology that lowers the nitrous oxide and sulphur emissions; using biodiesel fuel lessens carbon emissions even more. Buying a clean diesel vehicle gets phenomenal mileage on its own and you can use B5 biodiesel (higher blends are usable however, most of the manufacturers will not cover warranties if you use higher blends). Any fuel you choose is good for the environment and you sacrifice nothing in performance.
Why the VW Jetta TDI is the Best Clean Diesel Car (5 out of 5)
The best clean diesel vehicle is the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. This vechicle is rated excellent because it meets all the criteria for cash for clunkers, runs great, is good for the environment while not sacrificing performance but most importantly the price is right. The MSRP is $17,515 - $22, 965. It performs 30 mpg city and 41 mpg on the highway, with 140 horse power and 236 pound torque; it is approved for B5 biodiesel. The Jetta TDI is currently available in the United States.
Audi’s Clean Diesel Model (4 out of 5)
The Audi A3 TFSI 2.0 sport wagon is rated good because it won’t be available in the United States until Fall 2009 and is priced higher than other vehciles that offer the same clean features. The Audi A3 does not get as good mileage as the Jetta TDI sportwagon. The MSRP starts at $26,920 for the Audi; it does get 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (qualifying your purchase for some cash for clunkers if you trade in), with 200 horse power and maximum torque of 207 pounds. It is approved for B5 biodiesel and has the clean diesel emission controls.
Why Other Diesel Cars May be a Good Option
Right now any diesel vehicle purchase makes sense even if you buy used. Diesel fuel prices are about even with regular gasoline and as noted, diesel vehicles get significantly better mileage that petroleum vehicles. You can use B5 biodiesel or other blended biodiesel or even try your hand at making biodiesel at home. Until there is more information on standards and performance, diesel is the most flexible option and clean diesel with biodiesel fuel is even better for the environment.
