Audi Q7 diesel
Consumer Guide participated in Audi's TDI Mileage Marathon from Chicago, Illinois to Denver, Colorado.

There are many roads to an alternative-fuel-powered driving future. While many car companies are thinking green and joining the hybrid-vehicle fray, others are aiming for a near-petroleum-free existence with electric cars. And then there are European carmakers; they’re launching a campaign to bring back diesel, a once-popular fuel that lost traction in the States due to its smelly, dirty image.

Thanks to stricter emissions laws and the subsequently cleaner fuel sold at the pump, dirty diesels are largely a thing of the past. In their place are quiet, refined vehicles that mirror their gasoline-powered counterparts in nearly every way.

2009 Audi Q7 TDI
2009 BMW 335d
2009 BMW xDrive35d
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
These new diesels mean higher fuel economy and more low-end torque for speedy takeoffs; what’s not to like? Well, for starters, diesel vehicles hit your pocketbook up front with the premium charged for the powertrain over the standard gas engine. Though it’s typically not as much as what you’d pay for an optional hybrid powertrain, it does add to your bottom line.

Also, the price of a gallon of diesel fluctuates and is often higher than gasoline, further offsetting your savings. Still, with the price of gasoline going up and the cost of diesel gas slowly sinking, these vehicles are becoming more attractive to shoppers in the market for performance and fuel economy. Here are five new diesels that should top your shopping list.   

06.16.2009