Quote:
Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28
The Cruze already pulls down 42mpg in gas model. The Cruze I had, the non-eco, pulled down 26mpg in city driving in snow. The Eco models seem to be pulling down high 30's, 40's in test runs.
I was very unimpressed with the new Jetta. Really really cheap insides and boring outsides is really depressing, especially when Chevy, Ford and now Hyundai have much more appealing vehicles all getting 40mpg or better in gas, non hybrid mode.
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Which vehicles are they? According to fueleconomy.gov, in the small car class (where they class the Jetta), VW is the highest rated non hybrid/electric vehicle in its class (not including the Smart Car) when sorted by city mpg and only the cruze is equal based on highway mpg? No Fords, Hynduai's or Chevy gasoline only powered vehicle is above any of VW diesels. And in the real world, the diesel VW's kill on mpg. Talk to some real world owners next time you see one fueling up. It a common theme with every owner I've talked to, they get incredible fuel mileage. I'm not necessarily pro VW, but I am pro diesel and VW is the only company the offers an affordable diesel powered car. So GM needs to get this diesel right and they need to hit mid 40's on the MPG's or they can forget ever getting another shot at selling diesel power to the american motoring public (truck market excluded). Because if they can't do SUBSTANTIALLY better on the MPG, what would be the sales pitch to the motoring public?
Longevity? Don't think so, we are a throw away society (sad but true) and newer cars are generally good for 150,000 with basic maintenance anyway.
Performance (like big HP kinda performance)? Not really the hallmark of diesel power.
Reliability? Maybe, but again, new cars are generally pretty reliable.
So without the superior fuel economy, what advantage does diesel power hold, especially if its priced higher than reg. gas (which makes no sense)?
Maybe that's the real equation, MP$
Build me a worthy diesel powered car GM, I dare ya. I don't want some POS engine slathered with onstar, heated seats and navigation units, tire pressure monitoring, and other mindless BS. Concentrate on the engine first and foremost, then outfit the car only after you have succeeded with the engine/drivetrain.
Oh by the way, my 6600lb 14 year old Cummins powered Dodge 2500 4x4 just turned 242,000 and got 19.3 mpg (combined driving) on its last load of fuel (winter blend no less). Love that diesel power..........love it love it love it.