Driving Green: Diesel vs. Hybrids
As gas prices continue to climb, the economy is stalled and our national consciousness is turning greener by the day. The only choice for a green initiative, gas saving car the last few years has been the hybrid, a combination of electricity and the gas engine. Hybrid cars can get up to 54 miles per gallon in the city and 48 miles per gallon on the highway, a phenomenal benchmark compared to gasoline engines. But now, there is an alternative that’s making a comeback: diesel engines.
This time around, the new clean burning engine, is not your mother’s diesel engine. There’s no plume of black, stinky smoke, no rattle like there are marbles in the gas tank and there is torque in the power. Volkswagen has introduced a new diesel to American motorists in the TDI engines of the Jetta sedan, SportWagen and Touareg SUV. The VW TDI engines burn clean and have a low carbon footprint without sacrificing driving dynamics. A diesel car typically can get 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 plus miles per gallon on the highway.
Volkswagen reports a spike in sales on the east coast and across the nation since introducing the TDI engine models. A possible reason for a rise in sales is the decline in diesel fuel prices but a driving force is better fuel economy and better driving performance than a hybrid.
Now diesel and hybrid technologies direct the American consumer’s attention to fuel efficiency as well as environmental consciousness. Whether driving a diesel or a hybrid, consumers can drive with a clean conscience knowing that their choice is helping the environment. Check out Jettas at VW dealers NJ or your favorite VW dealer.