MPG-o-Matic 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI Review Summary: The return of the VW Golf TDI to America marks a milestone in the clean diesel revolution, as it hearkens back to times gone by. While the original diesel-powered Rabbit, ancestor of the Golf TDI, was a revered fuel-sipper during the energy crisis decades ago, the little old diesel Rabbit wasn’t praised for its abundance of power. The thoroughly modern 2010 Golf TDI, on the other hand, is both frugal at the pump and a pleasure to drive.
2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI Review
March 13th, 2010 — diesel, review, vw
2010 Jeep Liberty Review
February 28th, 2010 — jeep, review, suv
MPG-o-Matic 2010 Jeep Liberty Review Summary:
As the competition moves to soft and cushy crossover designs with limited off-road abilities, the Jeep Liberty remains a competent and conventional mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV), designed to tackle tough terrain while hauling the goods. Although the Liberty’s 3.7-liter V6 has been newly equipped with an interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off feature to improve fuel economy, this is still a relatively thirsty SUV.
2010 Audi A3 TDI Review
February 13th, 2010 — audi, diesel, review
MPG-o-Matic 2010 Audi A3 TDI Review Summary:
The clean diesel A3 TDI joins the conventional gasoline-powered A3 in Audi’s 2010 line up, providing a marvelous fuel-efficient alternative for folks that enjoy spirited driving. Although the 2010 A3 TDI is not available in Quattro (all-wheel-drive) trim, we found the front-wheel-drive (FWD) to be sure-footed through a variety of driving conditions.
Inconvenient Truths About Electric Cars
January 30th, 2010 — electric, plug-in
Make no mistake about it. We love plug-in electric cars. The electrification of the personal transportation device has the potential to bring about great change, with the promise of more jobs and less pollution. Economic renewal in a cleaner world is a lofty and worthwhile goal for all, regardless of political affiliation.
2010 is shaping up to be the year remembered as the launching point for high-volume production of highway-capable electric vehicles (EVs). We can expect to see the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and Coda sedan enter production, among other vehicles. Other plug-in electric cars from major manufacturers will soon follow.
Governments around the world have committed massive amounts of funding to the electrification of the automobile. This influx of capital is allowing the business world to ramp up at a torrid pace. That said, this is a long road, with a tough grade to climb.
This post, which will be updated as conditions and information warrant, shares notes gleaned on the realities of EVs from a number of industry conferences. While we encourage the adoption of EVs, we are realists, not cheerleaders.
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2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
January 20th, 2010 — NAIAS
The 2010 Detroit Auto Show saw more hybrids and a marked increase in hoopla for the electrification of the automobile. A dedicated “Electric Avenue” on the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) floor joined an electric test track in the cellar of Cobo Hall, which continued a tradition started in 2009. (Truth be told, I so busy on the show floor, that I never found my way to the basement.)
