Why bother with the cost and complexity of a Hybrid when an 80-MPG diesel version is coming in Europe? Problem is, like the wagon and the Turbo RS, we apparantly won't get that version here in the U.S.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/...-for-2012.html

 

I'm not knocking a diesel version, but when the premium is just as great as a hybrid would be and diesel fuel costs more 75 cents more that regular in my area, well the brid would make more sense to me.

 

OK, I'll agree, if a 1.6L gas-electric hybrid can get the same 80 MPG as the small diesel.......and it would probably be doing it on cheaper fuel.

 

Again, informative review Grandmaster Flash... I mean, Mike...

Seems to be a solid bet for DD, and solid for mileage and Ford's current impressive run. Spacious, practical... nice

FYI- for my vote, have no interest in Durango R/T review (or any Dodge or Jeep) any longer due to scary rise incidents as of late (fire, steering wheel, etc.) and already tested the Citadel version... off my list for good

 

Thanks, Russ.

OK.....yours was the only request I had for a Durango R/T review, so I'll take it off my review list. The Fiat 500 is next....as soon as a Fiat shop opens up in reasonable driving-distance. The closest one, right now, is almost 50 miles, though I'll go that far if I have to.

 

80 mpg diesel? really?

That would be 80 imperial mpg on Euro Test cycle?... Probably more like 45 mpg in the US, and thats for 105hp diesel with extra long gears... it will never come to the US, as it would be too expensive. Just like it will be limited sales in Europe, for show only... regular diesel will do fine, be chaper, and have only around 5-10% larger real life consumption.


p.s. meant to quote mmarshals post :-).

 

VW has some small European diesels in the 1.2L range (smaller than the U.S.-spec TDI) that can, under ideal conditions, get the equivalent of 75-80 U.S. miles per gallon. Unfortunately, as you note, they are not brought into the U.S. market.

There is an 80-MPG diesel Focus, but, as you note, it is in Imperial gallons, not U.S.