Speeding down the Autobahn burning not quite as much gasoline as before
If you're a diesel hater and you want to cruise down a German highway in style, there's nothing like a good coupé to fit the bill. European coupés offer comfort, sporty sensations and, usually, a paying a high price at the pump. But there's good news: the European market offers models that are low on carbon emissions and have decent fuel economy while still offering the refinement typically found on models with larger engines. Unfortunately, most of the models can't be found stateside but there's always hope that some might reach American shores. We found a list, which you can find after the jump, of the most fuel-efficient version of current European coupés. Enjoy.
[Source: Auto News]
| Model | Engine size | HP | Fuel consumption (l/100km) | Mileage (mpg US) |
| Porsche Cayman 2.9 PDK | 2,983 | 265 | 9.1 | 25.8 |
| Alfa Romeo Brera 2.2 JTS 16V Selespeed | 2,198 | 185 | 9.1 | 25.8 |
| Alfa Romeo GT 2.0 JTS 16V Progression | 1,970 | 165 | 8.7 | 27.0 |
| Renault Laguna Coupé 2.0 16V Turbo GT | 1,998 | 204 | 8.2 | 28.7 |
| Hyundai Coupé 2.0 GLS | 1,975 | 143 | 8.0 | 29.4 |
| BMW 125i Coupé | 2,996 | 218 | 7.9 | 29.8 |
| BMW 630i Coupé Sport-Automatic | 2,996 | 272 | 7.7 | 30.5 |
| Mercedes CLC 160 BlueEfficiency | 1,597 | 129 | 7.1 | 33.1 |
| Mercedes E 250 CGI Coupé BlueEfficiency Automatik | 1,796 | 204 | 7.0 | 33.5 |
| Renault Mégane Coupé 1.6 16V 110 Dynamique | 1,598 | 110 | 6.9 | 34.1 |
| Audi TT Coupé 1.8 TFSI | 1,798 | 160 | 6.7 | 35.1 |
| Audi A5 2.0 TFSI | 1,964 | 180 | 6.6 | 35.4 |
| Citroën C4 Coupé 1.4 16V Advance | 1,360 | 88 | 6.4 | 36.8 |
| VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI 7-speed-DSG | 1,360 | 160 | 6.3 | 37.3 |
| BMW 320i Coupé | 1,995 | 170 | 6.3 | 37.3 |
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Quantumphysics 10:59AM (4/20/2009)
DIESELS aren't going to do very well in America.
#1 Though Diesels offer more torque because of the longer throw of the pistons, diesel cars in America will cost significantly more than gasoline models.
#2 There are many parts of AMerica without diesel pumps (which could change but is highly unlikely due to proliferation of EV's)
#3 Diesel cars also require UREA additives that is a annual fee of about $85.
#4 Diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline - therefore nullifying the mpg savings you'd get on the car itself.
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brn 11:32AM (4/20/2009)
"There are many parts of AMerica without diesel pumps"
That'd be a heck of a blow to the trucking industry.
win39 12:39PM (4/20/2009)
None of what you say is cast in stone.
1. The premium for diesel engines is primarily because they are low production units compared to gasoline engines. The price differential would be practically erased by economies of scale, certainly below the price of a hybridized gasoline engine.
2. You seem to be unaware that diesel trucks operate everywhere in the US.
3. Some diesels cars require urea injection. Some don't, like the VW engine which meets US emissions requirements.
4. The problem of diesel fuel higher price is easily solved, and probably should be, with a higher tax on gasoline. It works for Europe. I guarantee that if that were done all those small displacement European diesel autos would suddenly start to be available in the US and Ford would build a diesel engine plant onto their new Fiesta plant.
brn 1:20PM (4/20/2009)
win39,
I'm with you on all but point #4. Artificial inflation of the price gasoline vs diesel is not something I agree with and it will not solve the problem.
By it's nature, diesel costs less to produce. The current price differential is artificial to begin with. However, you can't produce anywhere near as much diesel per barrel of oil as you can gasoline. If diesel engines become popular, it is not possible for the relative production to shift (much). As such, supply/demand will dictate diesel will become more expensive and gasoline will become less expensive.
A solution is to move away from traditional diesel and to move to products like biodiesel. There's still much discussion on the viability of products like biodiesel, bbut that's for another thread.
contact 9:32PM (4/20/2009)
wrong on many levels.
1. There are FAR more diesel pumps than hydrogen, electrical, CNG filling stations in the US. It's easier for me to count the number of gas stations in my city WITHOUT diesel than with because there's only 3.
2. Diesel costs more per gallon. You are correct. However when you look at a gasoline car getting 25mpg and a diesel getting 50mpg that is a 100% increase in mileage with only a 10-20% in cost. Nothing is negated. Diesel is still FAR more efficient than gasoline per gallon.
3. Urea-based injections at a cost of $85/year? Where are you getting that number from? I've never seen that stat anywhere. Even if that is the case I'd happily pay and $85/yr "penalty" to motor around in my 50mpg oil burner. It's a small price to pay for the massive fuel savings.
carlos 2:11PM (4/20/2009)
But i thought that the diesel it´s more pollutant that the petrol engines. I think that´s a better idea intruduce the turbo petrol engines in the USA like the Volkswagen TSI, high power (200hp) and about 8 liters/60milles.
I´ve been in a autobahn the last year y Frankcfurt and i saw many cars riding under 130 km/h in the no speed limit areas.
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chriZ 4:37PM (4/20/2009)
True, most people here in Germany don`t max out their cars on the Autobahn. Because of the mpg dropping extremely at top speed, its not too hard to figure out why.
For example my VW Golf5 GTI (2005): rated 29,7 mpg (EU, hard to achieve in real-life) the range drops to 7,8 mpg at top speed (149 mph)...
Nick 4:18PM (4/20/2009)
Who said diesel is more expensive than gasoline?
I've seen it at a lower price than gasoline, and even if it's a little more............you gain because it gets you 20-30% further.
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Carlos 7:40AM (4/21/2009)
No, a few moths ago the diesel has been cheaper, but now it´s a little more expensive, but if you have to drive more than 20,000 miles every year you have to choice a diesel. I´ve got a Volkswagen Golf Plus diesel, 2.0 tdi dsg.
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tomstaple 5:26AM (6/04/2009)
"#1 Though Diesels offer more torque because of the longer throw of the pistons,"
LMAO hehe I love it! Thanks for making me chuckle. For what it's worth, a diesel engine has exactly the same 'throw of the pistons' (also known as stroke) as a petrol of the same capacity with the same bore and stroke - the superb torque is there for different reasons.
If diesel haters were to drive a modern efficient diesel after their usual V6 gasoline of choice they would be amazed at the smaller and far more economical diesels ability to deliver the same if not better torque and a more satisfying drive.
"#3 Diesel cars also require UREA additives that is a annual fee of about $85."
Not true, many new clean diesel technologies, especially those available in Eurpoe are achieving the strict emissions regs without having to resort to urea or any other form of post-injection, and those that do don't require $85 a year additional maintenance...
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