Burning Diesel from Denver to LA

In this final article, we find the fleet of Audi TDI vehicles in Los Angeles, having completed a 14 day, 4,800 mile odyssey from New York City.

Diesel vs. Gasoline

For the past 20 odd years, diesel powered passenger cars have accounted for a hefty percentage of new vehicle sales in Europe. At LotPro.com, we know that until this year, that figure was close to 50%. This year, two things conspired to drop sales below that benchmark – the increased price of low-sulfur diesel fuel and the ever-present price premium diesel owners pay for their vehicles.

In previous years, cost-conscious, forward-looking customers could justify the cost of entry, knowing that diesel-powered vehicles get an average 30% increase in fuel economy over their petrol-powered brethren. Between this and the lower cost of fuel, buyers that held on to their vehicles for more than a couple of years could realize a cost-savings benefit. In addition, the inherent higher torque of diesels at a lower rpm makes them ideal for city and mountain driving – both of which are mainstays of the European driving experience.

Will it translate across the pond?

With this summer’s spike in gas prices, American car buyers were clamoring for more fuel-efficient vehicles. This begged the question, “Why not introduce European diesel models in the U.S.?”

The big advantage of diesel power is that the mileage gain is very close to that of current hybrids, at a fraction of the cost and complexity of a gas-electric drivetrain.

23 Diesels, 14 Days, 28 – 45 mpg average

Audi brought over four different models to showcase the latest in diesel technology from Europe. And while only the Q7 3.0 TDI will find its way to our shores any time soon, it’s important to note that all four meet 50 state emissions requirements.

Final Results:

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI:
28 mpg (combined)

Audi Q5 3.0 TDI:
32 mpg (combined)

Audi A4 3.0 TDI:
36 mpg (combined)

Audi A3 2.0 TDI:
45 mpg (combined)

The Bottom Line

Even though the price of gas has fallen in recent weeks, as sure as the sun comes up, high prices will return. And while hybrid and electric vehicles may be a longer-term answer to efficiency, most carry a large price premium and few of them are actually fun to drive.

Audi (along with sister company Volkswagen) is to be commended on its initiative to bring the diesel back to American drivers. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.

Tags: audi, audi a3, audi a4, audi q5, audi q7, los angeles, new york city, tdi