While diesel cars used to be all the rage in North America, in the last 20 years their popularity has seen a drastic plummet. Even though anyone who has taken mechanic courses in Toronto will tell you that diesel is much more efficient than gas, and diesel vehicles still account for more than half the cars on the road in Europe, the trend still hasn’t caught its second wind here in North America. However, with 2014 seeing a dramatic influx of new diesel models – even by some of the bigger name automotive companies – could this be the year that diesel makes a comeback?
While Volkswagen has always maintained a line of cars with diesel engines in North America, other auto manufacturers offering diesel alternatives have been few and far between in recent years. Volkswagen’s TDI line of Jettas and Golfs has always been popular, as the vehicles themselves have some of the best miles per gallon fuel ratings of any cars on the market. However, whether it’s the rising cost of gas or the extreme efficiency that comes with diesel, 2014 will reportedly have almost double the amount of diesel models on the market as 2013. Here are some of the ones we’re most excited for:
2014 Chevy Cruze
This is a big deal for Chevy, as it’s the heavy-hitting automaker’s first diesel powered passenger car in 28 years! Chevy’s diesel Cruze model comes with a 151 horsepower, 2.0 liter turbo-diesel, four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. It was built in Germany and is an adaptation of one of the European Cruze models, which is sure to interest anyone in automotive training in Toronto.
Take a closer look here!
2014 Dodge Ram
The 2014 EcoDiesel Dodge Ram pickup is the only one of its kind offered on the U.S. market – its kind being a light-duty pickup truck, of course. Ford, Chevy and GMC have diesels in their larger, bulkier trucks, but Dodge is the only one offering diesel in their smallest pickup. You certainly won’t need car sales training to get this one off the lot!
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2014 marks the return of a diesel Jeep after years of hiatus. With its Italian-built 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel, this Jeep is sure to turn heads with its wild 240 horsepower. It even gets 30 mpg highway in rear-wheel drive!
2014 Volkswagen GTD
Now this one may be wishful thinking, because we don’t know for sure if we’re going to be seeing this one on the North American market, but our chances are looking pretty good. The GTD is based on the Golf GTI, but is a diesel rather than gas model. Based on the Golf MK7 and featuring lowered suspension, 17 inch aluminum wheels and a body kit with a rear diffuser, it’s like the Golf’s sexier, sleeker cousin. I’m sure many in automotive careers in Toronto has their fingers crossed that we’ll get this beauty!
With all of these great cars lined up for 2014, we’re certain that this is going to be the year of the diesel.