Driving Euro diesels from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, and Mini

RF · 2008-09-21T19:31:23+00:00

From Consumer Reports:September 18, 2008Driving Euro diesels from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, and Mini More than half the cars sold in Europe are high-mpg diesels. So given the opportunity to sample four models directly from the Continent, we hoped to find out if modern European diesels are good enough to entice American drivers.Small-displacement engines with big torque and fuel economy numbers have long been considered forbidden fruit to the U.S. market. With the revised, ultra-low-sulfur fuel recently adopted in the States, we are seeing a slow influx of European diesel models reach our shores. Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have lead this wave of new diesels, and several other automakers have announced plans to bring more here.So, what do we have to look forward to? We got a taste last week by attending the annual International Motor Press Association (IMPA) track days at Pocono Raceway, where we piloted several imported diesel models provided by Bosch. We sampled four European-market diesel models: 2009 Audi A4 3.0 TDI Quattro, 2007 BMW 123d hatchback, 2007 Chrysler 300D, and 2008 Mini Cooper D. (Bosch supplies some of the fuel injection and emissions control equipment for these cars that allow them to meet stringent air quality standards in Europe. They say the cars could also be made 50-state compliant in the U.S.)In our review of the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec diesel last year, we raved that its modern diesel engine was not only clean, but also felt as smooth and powerful as a gasoline engine. (Watch our video road test.)In driving the four European cars at IMPA, it is clear that modern diesels are much smoother and quieter than those engines Americans may remember from the 1980s. But not all are as refined as gas engines, or as that E320.I was very impressed with the Audi A4 3.0 TDI. This A4 has 236 hp and a whopping 369 lb-ft of torque, giving it impressive acceleration. The car was also quiet, relaxed, and refined in driving on the street. It?s rated at a...

Sep 21, 2008 23 Replies

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RF 17 years ago

I think the time is long overdue for replacing the very heavy steel rust-pots and replacing them with the latest in fiber reinforced plastic - like airplanes. That should greatly increase the fuel efficiency and safety.

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jdoe 17 years ago

which airplanes are you referring to? __________________________________________ Never argue with an idiot. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

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RF 17 years ago

Shhh!! They are a secret at present. Visit the next flying saucer you see and you'll know what I am talking about ;-)

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John 13 years ago

We are obsessed by security. The exaggerated number of stop signs. The heavy bumpers etc. etc. We have to agree that life is a temporary state and it is not that important. After all is only important for the ones that survive.

Please don't kill me, I am looking after a handicapped son and he needs me

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