VW Golf TDI Hybrid: too expensive for America?
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Volkswagen, European Union, UK, Germany, USA
We are extremely pleased that Volkswagen was able to achieve such phenomenal fuel mileage and emissions numbers from their Golf TDI Hybrid. As a refresher, the machine uses a 1.2 liter three-cylinder diesel engine paired with a 26 horsepower electric motor and returns 69 U.S. mpg and 89 g/km of CO2 emissions in the EU combined cycle. As we've reported, the car is slated for production in Europe, but what about the U.S.? Don't we need cars that deliver high mileage and low emissions here too? Of course we do, but the question that needs to be asked is whether American drivers are ready to pay for the technology required to make these numbers a reality.
The Toyota Prius has set the standard for what consumers expect from green cars, and it is priced rather well - less than $25 grand, well equipped. Diesel vehicles have never sold as well in the States as they do in Europe, despite their fuel mileage increases. This is due, partly, to the added cost that comes with a diesel vehicle in order to meet emissions requirements. Keith Price, a spokesman for VW USA says,"From a consumer standpoint, it comes down to 'What kind of compromise do I need to live with to enjoy all this wonderfulness?'" Price is one compromise that is hard to get around, as VW's diesels already cost about $2,000 more than gasoline models. Add in what the hybrid system will cost on top of that and the Golf... um, I mean Rabbit TDI Hybrid may price itself out of the market. We sincerely hope not.
[Source: CNN Money]
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
3-14-2008 @ 7:14AM
MD said...
Unfortunately, VW did the same thing with the Eurovan T4. They offered the gasoline version, which my van gets on average 15 to 17mpg (it's an EVC) and the diesel version which is available in Mexico (not in the U.S.) get over 30mpg. And they have the new T5 with a manual. I'd pay a $10k premium to have that van, but it's illegal to own a T5 because it hasn't been certified by the EPA/NHTSA. :(
Personally, I'd only not buy the 69mpg diesel hybrid if the air conditioning system wasn't electric. To me that is the only requirement I have for a hybrid that the A/C be not gasoline compressor based, but electric like the Prius/Yukon.
But what did VW do...they cancelled the Microbus and are now allowing Dodge to build a VW bus based on a caravan platform. Disaster! VW is looking for high production sales at the sake of quality. Oh well, I won't buy the new van and my next vehicle won't be a VW until they can get their act together in the U.S.
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3-28-2008 @ 2:15PM
wikki said...
we loved the microbus too over here in germany but the project was just too expensive for the US market. we might see brighter days if VW can find a plant in north US.
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4-06-2008 @ 3:59AM
2006tdi said...
I drive a jetta tdi and get about 45-47 mpg on average and that's going over 70+mph. Yes..you can drive a Yaris or Prius but you know what... it's still a Toyota. VW offers good mpg plus the fun of driving a well engineered vehicle.
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4-14-2008 @ 5:06AM
Joseph said...
All these comments about the high price of a Diesel Hybrid make some sense when we are talking at $3/gallon. I wonder how many people will change their tune if gas starts to head north of $4/gallon and close (or over) $5.
And that is without the associated costs of starting wars half across the world.
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