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]

The frugal 1.6-liter diesel Peugeot 308 (and the very frugal diesel hybrid version) get some of their low numbers to Michelin's new low-rolling resistance tires, called Energy Saver. According to AN Europe, the tires themselves don't subtract too many grams of CO2 emitted for each kilometer driven (just four grams) or liters of fuel required to move the car (just 0.2 per 100 kilometers), but take the four rubber circles in context with other fuel economy measures in the 308 line (weight reduction, using a diesel or diesel-hybrid powertrain) and you can see where some of the vehicle's low numbers come from. Continental, Goodyear and Bridgestone also offer low-rolling resistance tires.

[Source: Dale Jewett / Automotive News Europe (subs req'd)]