[quote no_such_reality]For example, why are super efficient small diesels the norm in Europe? The answer is simple, the fuel expense due to taxes is much higher than here and hence the added cost of the diesel technology ‘pencils’. [/quote]
Actually, not so simple as this. Two primary causes:
1) Power – remember those old Volkswagen Diesel Rabbits? I drove one once. A good way to become a flyspeck on the front of a semi when trying to merge into traffic. Newer turbo-diesels are better.
2) California actually bans them for emissions reasons. The only two diesel cars that have managed to pass CA’s diesel emission regs for cars (which are tougher than truck regs). These are the Volkswagen TDI and a Mercedes. You can get some of the other diesel passenger vehicles in other states (and then import them to CA after 1 year – skirting the ban on sales of the new vehicles in CA.).
3) Cost. Vehicles with diesel engines are priced higher than gasoline. Significantly higher.
