The technology has been around for ages. Cars have been running on diesel fuel for more than 100 years now and the technology is experiencing a sort of a renaissance of sorts. The European market has been at the front of clean diesel technology and has made some impressive progress towards making diesel a real alternative. With gas prices and taxes almost double what they are here, European consumers don’t really have a choice. They need fuel efficient cars and in a lot of situations, when buying a car in Europe, the diesel model will be the upgraded version of a vehicle and carry a premium.

Well, good news, now that new diesel technology is trickling down to us here in the states. A few automakers have already started offering us diesel versions of their current models. I’ve listed a few notables below. With diesel technology getting better and better, some of the flaws of diesel engines are disappearing. Diesel engines are no longer loud, rough-running, and slow. New advances in injection systems have made engines smoother and quieter and turbo-charging has made them quite fast with bottom-less amounts of torque. Diesel prices compare to premium grade but give you more miles for your dollar so next time you’re shopping for a new car don’t rule out a diesel. With roughly 30-40% better milage and none of the drawbacks, why wouldn’t you?

Volkswagen Clean Diesel TDI Jetta
-Fuel economy: 30-35mpg combined city/highway
-Price range: Mid-$20,000s
-Description: The “people’s car” has now becomr the people’s diesel. The TDI virtually turns the Jetta into a effortless grand tourer. Able to return good milage, while still offering ample forward thrust, and pampering you in safety and german-car-goodness. Also VW has been doin’ the diesel foe a long time now so the technology is perfected. Great buy

Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel
-Fuel economy: 20-25mpg combined city/highway
-Price range: Low to Mid-$40,000s
-Description: Trying not to loose all those SUV buyers Chrysler has borrowed technology from the now defunct partnership with Mercedes-Benz to give it’s Jeep line clean and modern diesel. This uses a consumable product called UREA in it’s exhaust sysytem to absorb carbon emissions and it needs to be replaced periodically. It is basically the same engine as in the new Benz E-series diesel.

Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec
-Fuel economy: 23mpg city/ 32mpg highway
-Price: $52,675
-Description: Besides VW/Audi, Mercedes-Benz has also been on the forefront of diesel tech. With a whole range of well established diesel engines in Europe, they are now hoping the U.S market will catch on. A promise of better milage without loosing any of the Mercedes Luxury should attract plenty of smart shoppers.