You're too stupid to... own a diesel small truck

[LowThudd]

My antique diesel is cheap enough to run here. Diesel is currently 20 cents cheaper on average than RUG currently. When I switched from my well abused modified V8 T-Bird getting 10 MPG on super unleaded at a then all time high of $4.75, and my ne Merc was getting 25+mpg with diesel at under $4 a gal, it was a HUGE difference. 

[Triple J]

That... and we had a CVT in our 2011 Subaru Outback... the driving dynamics *sucked*.  A regular geared auto is nicer to drive, IMO. 

+1. I had a CVT Murano...supposedly one of the nicer CVT trannies. F'ing horrible to drive. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

[ducatiz]

<shrugs> meh, gimme a manual.

Easier to hyper-mile. 

That... and we had a CVT in our 2011 Subaru Outback... the driving dynamics *sucked*.  A regular geared auto is nicer to drive, IMO.  Regardless, I would prefer a manual either way.

These guys used the 6-speed Passat TDI to get phenomenal mileage in a cross-country trip (77.99 mpg):

I prefer a manual too, but you aren't going to sell many of them to the general public.  It took me a few months to even find my Golf TDI in manual.

The CVT type is a better design for people who want an automatic and gets better mileage.

[LowThudd]

CVT just ain't for everyone. And to get better milage takes learning to drive differently. When my auto tranny finally goes, I plan on converting to manual. I already have several parts for the conversion.

[the_Journeyman]

Any thoughts on the Grand Cherokee in diesel?  I like the idea, but it pushes the vehicle up to $45K or more.  Not something I can really afford.  You have to select the Limited or higher trim level and then it's around a $4k option as well as adding an equipment package.

As far as CVT - My wife drives a Mazda2 and it gets great mileage.  If it had a CVT, it would be even better and she would likely not realize the difference.  Small cars with CVT would be a great way to get around town for errands and such.

JM

[DRKWNG]

You have to select the Limited or higher trim level and then it's around a $4k option as well as adding an equipment package.

This will be the sort of thing that keeps diesel vehicles from becoming commonplace in the US auto market.  The US market needs to get away from the concept of package based purchasing.

[suzyj]

...and this is where I'll insert a friendly reminder that this is getting political.

But apolitical yank bashing is still fair game, innit? I mean you lot don't even _play_ footy!

[ducpainter]

But apolitical yank bashing is still fair game, innit? I mean you lot don't even _play_ footy!

Go right for it and see. 

[DRKWNG]

But apolitical yank bashing is still fair game, innit?

I'll join in with you.

 

[LowThudd]

Footy: I play footsie, just not with balls. 

[Speeddog]

But apolitical yank bashing is still fair game, innit? I mean you lot don't even _play_ footy!

Oh, that's not true.

Lots of young schoolgirls here play footy, it's nearly as popular with them as jump-rope, I reckon.

Not many besides them, though.

 

[Greg]

Dodge Ram 1500 diesel, OK so it's not a small truck, but it is the first 1/2 ton diesel available in a long time. Would still love to have that Hilux diesel, sigh, maybe one day.

http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/ecodiesel/

[LowThudd]

That's cool. No word on fuel economy yet though. Still, the pre-07 Cummins was capable of +27mpg, and have more torque. With Banks tuning is capable of better than 30, or more power depending on need. I just, so far, do not see this as a "Better" engine. It is just in a lighter truck.

[Greg]

I figure this is just the first of many diesels, I just don't see how they are going to meet their CAFE targets without seriously improving the MPG of light trucks, and the easiest way to improve the MPG by 20-30% is to go diesel. I'm really hoping this truck is a big success for Dodge as it will encourage Ford to dust off their F150 diesel that almost came out 5 years ago.

[LowThudd]

Very true, let's hope.