Thinking about buying a new 2013 diesel car and looking at the options? We’re here to help.

Diesel offerings continue to gain ground. New for 2013 are the BMW 33d Sports Wagon, Chevy Cruze Diesel sedan, Mercedes GL250 BlueTEC SUV,  Porsche Cayenne Diesel SUV, and the Volkswagen Beetle TDI. With tougher diesel emissions standards being implemented in Europe in 2014, we may see even more diesel engines crossing over the Atlantic to U.S. shores in the near future.

Audi Diesels

A3 TDI – The sporty Audi A3 hatchback (30/42 MPG) has an all new design for 2013. An A3 sedan model is planned for 2014.

Q7 TDI – For 2013, the Audi Q7 SUV diesel (19/28 MPG) gets a new engine, going from 225 to 240 horsepower, with an improvement in fuel economy as well.

Rumors also indicate possible TDI versions of the A6, A8 and Q5 in the near future.

BMW Diesels

335d – It appears that there will be no diesel version of the 335 offered this fall.

X5 xDrive 35d – There will be a 2013 model of the BMW X5 35d diesel SUV (19/26 MPG), but the word on the message boards says it may not be available until December and may get an upgraded transmission.

BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon courtesy of BMW of North America

330d – The new 2013 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is expected to get a diesel version with a straight-six turbo-diesel. No word on mileage yet.

735d or 740d – Early reports also indicate BMW could be bringing a diesel engine to their flagship luxury 7 series in mid-2013.

Cadillac Diesels

ATS – The Cadillac ATS may be getting a diesel engine, but it’s not due on the market until late 2013 or early 2014.

Chevy Diesels

Chevy Cruze Diesel courtesy of General Motors

Cruze – Chevy has committed to bringing a diesel version of their Cruze sedan to the U.S. in 2013. No word on price or MPG yet.

Chrysler Diesels

Chrysler is set to introduce their new “EcoDiesel” offerings in early 2014, starting with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and possibly the Chrysler 300 sedan.  The engine is expected to be a 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel that gets around 23/33 MPG.

Dodge Diesels /Ram Diesels

Dodge offers no diesel cars, but continues to offer a powerful diesel engine in its Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks.

Ford Diesels

While Ford has produced diesel cars for years in Europe, there doesn’t seem to be any plans to offer them in the U.S. Like Dodge, Ford does continue to offer their powerful PowerStroke diesel engine for their F250, F350 and F450 pickup trucks.

Honda Diesels

Honda does not appear to have any plans to bring diesel engines to the U.S., despite offering them overseas.

Hyundai Diesels

Like Honda, Hyundai offers diesels overseas but has announced no plans to bring them to U.S. shores.

Jaguar Diesels

Despite bringing the Jaguar XF diesel to the U.S. for a cross-country run last fall, Jaguar seems in no hurry to bring it’s diesel variants to U.S. showrooms.

Jeep Diesels

A new diesel engine for the Jeep Grand Cherokee is in the works. See the Chrysler section, above, for more details.

Land Rover Diesels

Land Rover announced last September that they were planning to introduce diesel engines to some U.S. models in the next few years, but no word yet on exactly when or which models.

Lexus Diesels

Despite offering them overseas, Lexus appears to have no plans to offer diesel engines on any of their models in the U.S.

Mazda Diesels

Mazda still says that they will be bringing their SkyActive diesel engines to the U.S., starting in 2013. But they’ve remained silent on which model will get the diesel option first. Rumors indicate it could be their new CX-5 crossover.

Mercedes Diesels

Mercedes offers no less than six diesel automobile options, with the GLK250 a new entry to the pack:

GLK250 BlueTEC – Brand-new for 2013 is a diesel engine for Mercedes’ entry-level SUV. The 4-cylinder engine produces 190 horsepower. Fuel economy figures have not been released but highway MPG could be in the high 30s.

GL350 BlueTEC – This large SUV is redesigned for 2013 and sports a new, more powerful diesel engine with 240 horsepower. No word on how that will affect fuel efficiency, which was 17/21 MPG in last year’s model.

E350 BlueTEC – The E Class remains unchanged for 2013. It offers a 24/34 MPG rating in a true luxury diesel sedan.

ML350 BlueTEC – The ML350 SUV is also unchanged for 2013 and offers 18/25 MPG with all-wheel-drive.

S350 BlueTEC – Introduced in 2012, the S350 BlueTEC flagship sedan features the same engine as the ML350 and all-wheel drive. It gets 20/31 MPG.

R350 BlueTEC  – With seating for 7, 18/24 MPG and all-wheel drive, the R350 crossover wagon remains unchanged for 2013.

Mini Diesels

Rumor has it that Mini will be bringing a diesel option to their Clubman model in 2013, and the engine will be similar in specs to the Cooper SD model currently offered in Europe.

Mitsubishi Diesels

Mitsubishi  says it will be offering a diesel hybrid engine for their Evo XI sports car in 2014.

Nissan Diesels

While there is speculation of a diesel option being offered for the 2015 Titan light-duty pick-up truck, Nissan has said that they will be focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles, not diesels in the U.S.

Porsche Diesels

Porsche Cayenne Diesel courtesy of Porsche Cars North America

Cayenne Diesel – The Cayenne Diesel will be hitting showrooms for the first time September. It will sport all-wheel drive, 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Estimated fuel numbers are 20/28 MPG and pricing will start around $55,000.

Macan Diesel – Coming in 2014, the Porsche Macan (formerly called Cajun) is a smaller SUV crossover vehicle. It will reportedly be offered with a 2-liter turbo-diesel option, which has recorded 45 MPG in testing.

Scion Diesels

While a diesel version of the Scion iQ is sold overseas, no plans have been announced to bring it to the States.

Subaru Diesels

There’s a lot of love out there for the Subaru Boxer Diesel offered in Europe, but sadly no plans to offer it in the U.S.A.

Toyota Diesels

Toyota continues to focus on hybrid and electric cars for fuel efficiency in the U.S. No Toyota diesels are planned.

Volkswagen Diesels

VW Beetle TDI courtesy of Volkswagen of America

Beetle TDI – The Beetle TDI should finally be arriving in showrooms in August.  Offering 28/41 MPG, it features a 2.0 turbo-diesel with 140 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $24,000.

Golf TDI – The zippy and entertaining Golf remains unchanged for 2013. The base 2-door Golf TDI starts at a reasonable $23,225 and it delivers 30/42 MPG.

Jetta TDI – The most economical of the TDI lineup is the Jetta diesel, which offers 30/42 MPG. Redesigned in 2011, the 2013 model does get a few updates, including some improvements on the interior finish.

Jetta Sportwagen TDI – The Jetta Sportwagen diesel with a manual transmission delivers the same MPG of 30/42 as the regular Jetta, but drops down to 29/39 with the automatic. It remains largely unchanged from 2012.

Passat TDI – VW’s full-sized diesel sedan offers offers 31/41 MPG (manual transmission) and 30/40 MPG (automatic). It is continued from last year with few changes.

Touareg V6 TDI Sport SUV – The only Volkswagen to offer a 3.0TDI diesel engine (shared with the Porsche Cayenne diesel) the TDI Touareg gets 20/29 MPG.

Volvo Diesels

There was hope that the new Volvo V40 with a diesel option would be offered stateside, but unfortunately it will only be offered in Europe. The U.S. is supposed to get the new V60 hybrid, but only in a gas version, instead of the diesel one offered in Europe.

So there you have it, the diesel car and diesel SUV lineup in the USA for 2013.

Did we leave anything out? Did we make any mistakes?

Leave a comment and let us know!

If you’ve test driven or own any of these cars, please leave your review to help others who are researching. Tell us about your real life gas mileage too.

Did you find this post useful? If so, please Like it on Facebook, Stumble it with StumbleUpon, or save it on Delicious or your favorite social bookmarking site. We’d really appreciate it.

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When you think about the most aerodynamic cars, you typically think of the high mileage hybrid or even full electric cars like the Tesla or the Prius.

But Mercedes has taken aerodynamics to a new level with the 2014 CLA sedan, that should hit showrooms in the fall of 2013.

As Mercedes describes it:

With a Cd figure of 0.23, the CLA sets a new benchmark among not only Mercedes models, but also all series-production vehicles. The frontal surface area, Cd x A – which is crucial to aerodynamic resistance – also leads the field at 5.49 sq. ft.

The good air flow characteristics, which have a major impact on fuel consumption under everyday driving conditions, are the result of extensive aerodynamic optimization. These include a low A-pillar shoulder with adapted A-pillar geometry, aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, low-drag wheel trims and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches.

Extensive underbody cladding, additional cladding at the center of the rear axle, an aerodynamically optimized muffler and a diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody.

The Mercedes CLA is a new sedan that takes design cues from the CLS coupe.

Although the car is billed as the most aerodynamic production car on the market, it is not marketed as a high mileage vehicle, and it will not be available as a hybrid or a high mileage clean diesel, at least initially.

Read more at Autoblog.

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Audi introduced not one but four clean diesel models at the L.A. Auto Show on November 29th. The 2014 A8, A7, A6 and Q5 will all be offered in a TDI clean diesel model.

Each TDI vehicle will feature a 3.0 TDI V6 engine that delivers as much as 30 percent better fuel economy and 30 percent lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines. Audi says the new TDI engine generates 240 horsepower with 406 lb.-ft. of torque.

“Owners of Audi TDI engines have helped save over 4 million gallons of gasoline, or the equivalent of more than 240,000 barrels of foreign oil, since the introduction of Audi TDI to the U.S. in 2009,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “And, TDI technology delivers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.”

A8 TDI – Courtesy of Audi of America

Audi A8 TDI

The A8 TDI, Audi’s flagship full-size luxury sedan, will offer a manufacturer-estimated fuel efficiency of 24 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. For 2014, the A8’s engine options are dramatically expanded, moving from two variants (4.2 liter V8 and W12) to five: a 3.0T V6; a 4.0T V8; a new S8 4.0T V8; a 6.0 liter W12; and the new 3.0 TDI V6. The TDI engine powers the A8 from 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds. It will arrive at dealerships in the spring of 2013.

A7 TDI – Courtesy of Audi of America

Audi A7 TDI

Not too many details were revealed about the Audi A7 TDI clean diesel 4-door coupe, other than it is “more fuel-efficient than ever” and that it will arrive in showrooms in the fall of 2013.

A6 TDI – Courtesy of Audi of America

Audi A6 TDI

Not much was revealed about the A6 TDI sedan either, except that it will also be available in the fall of 2013.

Q5 TDI – Courtesy of Audi of America

Audi Q5 TDI

The new TDI clean diesel engine is the fourth engine option to be offered for the Q5, adding to the current four-cylinder 2.0T, the 3.0T V6, and the Q5 hybrid. The Q5 TDI will arrive in showrooms in the fall of 2013.

Audi Q7 TDI

The currently available 2013 Audi Q7 TDI SUV also sports the same new clean diesel engine and has increased its fuel efficiency to 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

Want to read more?

Car and Driver reviews the diesel version of the Audi A6 here. USA Today covers the new diesel models. And Autoblog covers the diesel introduction at the L.A. Auto Show.

See our post about the complete lineup of 2013 diesel cars for the US market.

We will keep you posted as more details become available.

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Courtesy of Mazda North American Operations

We’ve waited and waited for a Japanese car manufacturer to bring a clean diesel engine to the USA market, Mazda’s long-awaited clean diesel is finally coming. They announced Thursday at the L.A. Auto Show that the all-new 2014 Mazda6 will be offered with a SKYACTIVE-D 2.2-liter diesel engine. The diesel-equipped version will arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2013. There are no EPA fuel efficiency numbers available yet, but Mazda says they are targeted to be “class leading.” Mazda will be the first Asian manufacturer to offer the U.S. public a modern-technology clean-diesel engine.  The 2014 Mazda6 also will also feature Mazda’s new capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system called i-ELOOP.

“We’ve dangled the carrot long enough and we couldn’t be more excited to officially introduce North America to our latest next-generation product, the 2014 Mazda6…” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations.  He continues: “…our Los Angeles announcements are only tips of the iceberg.  The best is yet come.”

The Maxda6 will be available with a choice of either the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic or SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual. As we mentioned above, Mazda says the fuel efficiency numbers will be “class leading.” The most efficient non-hybrid mid-size sedan is currently the Volkswagen Passat TDI with 31 MPG city and 41 MPG highway.

The new SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine offers an impressively low compression ratio of 14:1. This allows the engine to burn cleaner and it will not require any additional NOx after-treatments, unlike many other modern diesels. Performance estimates for the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine are not yet available. The SKYACTIV-D is expected to offer a high amount of torque.

The engine is 10 percent lighter than the MZR 2.2-liter diesel engine that Mazda offers in other global markets.  Other improvements mentioned by Mazda include a 20% reduction in internal engine friction and improved fuel economy.  This is achieved by using a new two-stage turbocharger, which delivers a steady response across the full 5,200-rpm engine range.

The Mazda6 will offer an all-new safety component called Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). It is designed to help drivers avoid front collisions when traveling at speeds of less than 20 miles per hour.  An imbedded laser sensor will detect objects in the car’s path and will reduce the brake rotor travel to quicken braking if the system calculates that there is a risk of collision. If the driver fails to perform an avoidance maneuver, the SCBS automatic braking function will be activated.

i-ELOOP, Mazda’s capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system, collects energy as the vehicle decelerates, and then uses this energy to provide power to all electrical mechanisms in the vehicle. Unlike systems used in hybrid vehicles, i-ELOOP does not need a dedicated electrical motor and battery, making the system more efficient, compact and lighter than traditional systems. i-ELOOP is expected to improve overall fuel efficiency.

Pricing for the 2014 Mazda6 has not been released yet. All specifications will be released closer to the model’s arrival at dealerships.

Learn more at the Autoblog coverage of the 2012 L.A. Auto Show, or their coverage of the new Mazda6 diesel racing in the Grand Am, the first time in the race’s 60 year history for a diesel powered engine.

If you see any updates with more details about gas mileage and horsepower and specs, leave a comment with a link to it!

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Acura ILX hybrid – courtesy of Acura

Wondering what’s in store for 2013 hybrid vehicles? There are plenty in the works for 2013 and beyond. New vehicles being introduced include the Acura ILX Hybrid, Audi Q5 Hybrid, BMW ActiveHybrid 3, Chevy Malibu Eco, Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Lexus ES 300h, Mercedes E400 Hybrid, Toyota Prius C and Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. Note that we only cover traditional hybrids in this article. If you’re looking for plug-in hybrids, check out our 2013 Electric Cars in the USA article.

Acura Hybrid Cars

ILX Hybrid – (39 city /38 highway MPG) The 2013 ILX is Acura’s first hybrid car. The sedan shares the same engine as the Honda Civic Hybrid, but it doesn’t achieve the same gas mileage. Pricing starts at $29,000 and it is already in showrooms.

RLX Hybrid – Acura’s second hybrid is scheduled to arrive in early 2013. It is expected to have 370 HP and get 30/30 MPG. Pricing will be north of $50,000.

Audi Hybrid Vehicles

Q5 Hybrid – Audi introduces its first hybrid to the U.S. this fall with the Q5 crossover SUV. EPA fuel economy ratings are not yet available but it should be somewhere around 34 MPG combined. Pricing is expected to be around $50,000.

A6 Hybrid – The hybrid version of the A6 sedan is also supposed to arrive this fall. It is expected to return about 35 MPG combined and have a price north of $55,000.

Audi has an A8 Hybrid debuting in Europe but does not appear to have plans to bring it to the U.S.

BMW ActiveHybrid 3 – courtesy of BMW of North America

BMW Hybrid Cars

ActiveHybrid 3 – (25/33 MPG) All new this year, with 340 HP and a 0-60 time of around 5 seconds, the ActiveHybrid 3 compact midsize sedan will use its electric engine to enhance performance. Pricing starts around $49,000.

ActiveHybrid 5 – (23/30 MPG) This midsize sedan is basically the 535i with better fuel mileage. The ActiveHybrid 5 arrived in showrooms in March and pricing starts at $61,000.

ActiveHybrid 7 – This full-size sedan has been revamped for 2013, with a new engine and new price. Horsepower drops to 349, and the price drops to $84,000. Fuel efficiency has not been announced yet.

The ActiveHybrid X6 has been discontinued. Rumors continue for an X5 Hybrid SUV in 2014, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Buick Hybrid Cars

Lacrosse eAssist – (25/36 MPG) Introduced in 2011, the base Lacrosse comes standard with a mild hybrid engine, giving it a respectable 36 MPG on the highway. Pricing starts around $31,000.

Regal eAssist – (25/36 MPG) For 2013, the Regal will come standard with eAssist and pricing rises a bit to $29,000.

Cadillac Hybrid Vehicles

Escalade Hybrid – (20/23) The hybrid version of Cadillac’s flagship SUV sees a 28 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the regular version. Pricing start around $74,000.

There were plans for an SRX Hybrid, but those have been canceled.

Chevy Malibu Eco – courtesy of General Motors

Chevy Hybrid Vehicles

Impala Eco – Coming for 2014, the Impala Eco will be a mild hybrid, very similar to the Buick Lacrosse eAssist. Highway MPG is expected to be in the 35 mile range. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Malibu Eco – (25/37 MPG) New for 2013 is Chevrolet’s mild hybrid version of the Malibu. It is already at dealerships and pricing starts around $25,000.

Tahoe Hybrid – (20/23 MPG) There aren’t any changes to the Tahoe full-size SUV hybrid for the 2013 model year. Pricing starts around $52,000.

Chrysler Hybrid Cars

Back in January 2011, Chrysler announced plans for a 2013 Chrysler 300 hybrid, but there has been no further information released since then.

Dodge Hybrid Cars

Dodge has no hybrids at this time, though their new Dodge Dart Aero is managing to pull in an impressive 41 MPG highway with a conventional gas engine.

Ford C-Max Hybrid – courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Ford Hybrid Vehicles

C-MAX Hybrid – (47/47 MPG) Ford posts the first impressive MPG numbers in our list with its new C-MAX hatchback. Early reviews are favorable and say it will provide the Toyota Prius and Prius V with some stiff competition. It is now at dealerships, with pricing starting at $25,000. A plug-in version called the Energi will also be available.

Fusion Hybrid – (47/47 MPG) The Fusion gets a redesign for 2013, and now boasts 47 MPG, making it the highest-mileage midsize sedan. Pricing starts at $27,000. A plug-in Energi version is also planned.

Escape Hybrid – The Escape Hybrid has been discontinued for 2013, as the new C-MAX comes in to take its place.

GMC Hybrids

Yukon Hybrid  - (20/23 MPG) This full-size SUV is twin to the Chevy Tahoe, remains unchanged for 2013. Pricing starts around $52,000.

Sierra 1500 Hybrid – (20/23 MPG) GMC’s full-size pick-up truck has no major changes for 2013, with a model redesign expected in 2014. Pricing starts around $40,000.

Honda Hybrid Cars

Insight Hybrid – (41/44 MPG) With no major changes for 2013, the Insight remains an efficient and extremely affordable hybrid option. Pricing starts at just $18,500.

Civic Hybrid – (44/44 MPG) The Civic sedan was redesigned in 2012 and there appear to be some additional changes coming to the 2013 model, which should arrive in showrooms late this fall. Pricing starts at $24,000.

CR-Z Hybrid – (35/37 MPG auto, 31/34 manual) The CR-Z is the only hybrid with a 6-speed manual transmission. It is getting an update for 2013, but details are sketchy so far. It is reported to be getting an increase in horsepower while keeping the same fuel efficiency.

Hyundai Hybrid Vehicles

Sonata Hybrid – (35/40 MPG) The Sonata Hybrid is the first to offer a lifetime battery warranty. It remains unchanged for 2013, but a redesign is expected for 2014. Pricing starts around $26,000.

Infiniti Hybrids

M Hybrid – (27/32 MPG) Infiniti’s hybrid midsize sedan has an emphasis on power as much as fuel efficiency. It remains unchanged for 2013 and the price starts at $54,000.

Jeep Hybrid Vehicles

There don’t appear to be any Jeep hybrids coming up in the near future.

Kia Hybrid Cars

Optima Hybrid – (35/40 MPG) The Optima gets a style refresh for 2013, but the underlying hybrid engine remains the same. Pricing starts around $26,000.

Land Rover Hybrids

Land Rover has announced a Range Rover diesel hybrid for Europe in 2013, but has announced no plans to bring it to the U.S.

Lexus ES 300h – courtesy of Lexus

Lexus Hybrid Vehicles

ES 300h – (40/39 MPG) The brand-new 300h brings real fuel efficiency to a luxury sedan. At 40 MPG city, it nearly doubles the mileage of its non-hybrid sibling. Pricing starts near $40,000.

CT 200h – (43/40 MPG) The new 200h hatchback hit showrooms this past March and it gets a mild refresh for 2013 with some cosmetic and tech updates. It has been a top seller for Lexus, with a nice combination of price ($32,000) and efficiency.

RX 450h – (32/28 FWD, 30/28 AWD) The 450h crossover SUV gets a facelift for 2013, but no change to its engine. Pricing has risen slightly to around $46,000.

GS 450h – (29/34) The GS450h luxury sedan is redesigned for 2013 and offers improved fuel efficiency (up from 22/25). MSRP is $59,000.

LS 600h – (19/23) The 600h gets a facelift for 2013, but no changes to its powertrain, so the MPG numbers remain the same. No word yet on pricing, but last year’s model started around $112,000.

The HS 250h has been discontinued.

Lincoln Hybrid Vehicles

MKZ Hybrid – Lincoln’s luxury sedan is redesigned for 2013 and the hybrid version will cost the same as the standard gas version — both starting at $36,000. No word yet on any changes in fuel efficiency (the 2012 model got 41/36 MPG).

Mercedes Hybrid Cars

E400 Hybrid – The all-new E400 hybrid is expected to arrive in dealerships later this fall. Fuel efficiency has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be 24/32 MPG. Pricing starts around $56,000.

S400 Hybrid – (19/25 MPG) The S400 luxury sedan hybrid remains fairly unchanged for 2013. It is due for a redesign in 2014. Pricing starts around $92,000.

The ML450 Hybrid has been discontinued. There may be a C-class hybrid coming in 2014.

Mini Hybrid Cars

The Mini Cooper is due for a redesign in 2014. There were rumors of a hybrid engine being offered, but no confirmation yet.

Nissan Hybrid Cars

It was thought that Nissan would be bring back the Altima Hybrid in 2013, but that is not the case. It may return in 2014.

Porsche Hybrid Vehicles

Cayenne S Hybrid – (20/24 MPG) The Cayenne hybrid SUV remains the same for 2013, with pricing starting around $70,000.

Panamera S Hybrid – (22/30) The high-end Panamera sports car has a price starting around $96,000. A plug-in hybrid version is rumored for 2014.

Scion does not seem to have any plans for hybrids in the works.

Subaru Hybrid Cars

Subaru doesn’t have any hybrids scheduled at the moment, but rumors talk of future hybrid versions of the Impreza and Forester.

Toyota Prius C – courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales

Toyota Hybrid Vehicles

Avalon Hybrid – (40/39 MPG) New for 2013 is a hybrid version of the Avalon full-size sedan. It shares the Camry’s hybrid drive-train. Pricing has not been released yet, but it should be somewhere north of the $33,000 base model.

Camry Hybrid – (43/39 MPG) The Camry was redesigned in 2012 and remains unchanged for 2013. No word yet if the pricing has changed from last year’s $26,000.

Highlander Hybrid – (28/28 MPG) There are few changes to the 2013 Highlander SUV, but a full redesign is expected in 2014. Pricing starts around $40,000.

Prius – (51/48 MPG) The 2013 Prius remains unchanged, except for a slight increase of $200 in price.

Prius V – (44/40 MPG) The larger Prius V also remains unchanged, and raises the price by $100.

Prius C – (53/46) The all-new Prius C is Toyota’s smallest, cheapest and most fuel-efficient Prius ever. While some critics have panned its build quality and acceleration, the fuel economy combined with a price of just $19,000 is compelling.

Toyota has also introduced a Yaris Hybrid overseas, but seems to have no plans of releasing it in the U.S.

Volkswagen Hybrid Vehicles

Jetta Hybrid – The all-new hybrid version of the Jetta debuts this fall with an estimated combined MPG of 45. Early reports are calling it more fun to drive than the Prius, but it does come at a slightly higher price — starting at $25,000.

Toureg Hybrid – (20/24 MPG) Not much changes for the Toureg SUV hybrid in 2013. While other hybrid SUVs have better mileage, the Toureg has a higher towing capacity and off-road capabilities. Pricing starts at $62,000.

So there you have it, the hybrid vehicle lineup in the USA for 2013.

Did we leave anything out? Did we make any mistakes?

Leave a comment and let us know!

If you’ve test driven or own any of these cars, please leave your review to help others who are researching. Tell us about your real life mileage range too.

Did you find this post useful? If so, please Like it on Facebook, Stumble it with StumbleUpon, or save it on Delicious or your favorite social bookmarking site. We’d really appreciate it.

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The number of electric car offerings continue to grow at a rapid pace. The options are getting more diverse and the price is coming down a bit. Just 7 EVs were available in 2011, but there will be 16 by the end of 2012 and an additional 19 models are scheduled for 2013 and beyond. New models launching this summer and fall include the Audi R8 E-Tron, Fiat 500 EV, Ford C-MAX Energi, Honda Fit EV, Smart ED, Tesla Model S, Toyota Prius Plug-in, and the Toyota RAV4 EV.

A few notes on the cars and stats listed here:

* This list includes all vehicles that have a significant all-electric range, both pure EVs and plug-in hybrids. If you’re looking for non-plug-in hybrids, look for our upcoming 2013 Hybrid Cars in the USA article.

* The electric range is an extremely variable number, and often the manufacturer quotes the range under “ideal” conditions (low speed, flat roads, moderate temperatures, no heat or A/C on). Be aware that the range can change significantly in not-so-ideal conditions. The Nissan Leaf website has a good explanation on range (click the colored squares for different conditions). The Leaf’s range goes from 138 to 62 depending on conditions!

* The battery charging times are also extremely variable, depending on how high the voltage is, and whether they are quoting time from 0-100% charge, or 20-80% charge, or something in between. Wherever possible, the times we quote are from 0-100% from a dedicated 240-volt outlet.

* Pricing is given before any tax credits. You can view information on federal tax incentives here, and state tax incentives here.

Alvarez Electric Motors

This fledgling California company has announced they will be offering three inexpensive, Chinese-built EVs. All have a short range and top speed of only 25 MPH. But the price is nice: $10,000 for a 2-seater, $17,000 for a van and $18,000 for a truck. Their first dealership is opening in Irvine, CA, in August.

Audi Electric Vehicles

A3 E-Tron – Audi brought 17 test models of its plug-in electric car to U.S. cities this summer, but it looks like it won’t be hitting showrooms until 2014. It is expected to have 134 horsepower, a top speed of 89 MPH and a 92-mile range.

R8 E-Tron – The plug-in version of Audi’s R8 high-end sports car is expected to go on sale this fall. It has set electric car speed records and is reported to go from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, with a 124 MPH top speed and  a 134-mile range.

Plans for electric versions of the A1 and A2 have been discontinued.

i3 courtesy of BMW of North America

BMW Electric Cars

i3 – The i3 (MegaCity Vehicle) all-electric compact hatchback is expected to hit showrooms in late 2013. It is reported to have 170 horsepower, a range of 80-100 miles, and will be priced around $45,000. Top speed is 93 MPH and it can re-charge in 6 hours. About 700 drivers are currently participating in BMW’s ActiveE field test in Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.

i8 – BMW has shown concepts of its sporty plug-in electric hybrid i8 in both a coupe and a Spyder convertible. Both models are expected to arrive at dealers sometime in 2014. The car is reported to put out 349 horsepower and will be able to travel 19 miles on electric power alone.

BYD Electric Cars

BYD stands for “Build Your Dreams” and this Chinese car company is still dreaming of bringing cars to the U.S., but so far we’ve gotten nothing but delays.

E6 – The crossover E6 wagon would certainly be dreamy if it came to the U.S. It features room for 5, a 186-mile range and a unique iron-phosphate “Fe” battery. Top speed is expected to be 87 MPH and re-charge time is 6 hours.

Cadillac Electric Vehicles

ELR – The luxury sports coupe cousin of the Chevy Volt is expected to go on sale in late 2013. No hard figures are available yet, but speculation is that is will have the Volt’s same electric engine, paired with a more powerful gas engine and a larger battery pack. Range is expected to be similar to the Volt’s 38 miles electric / 380 miles combined. Price should start around $55,000.

Chevy Electric Cars

Volt – The successful Chevrolet Volt hybrid enters its third year of production with a few upgrades: An improved battery pack bumps its all-electric range from 35 to 38 miles and its MPGe rises to 98. Re-charge time is around 4 hours and top speed is still 100 MPH. There will also be some changes to color, comfort and safety options. The 2013 Volt is already arriving at dealerships. Pricing is unchanged, starting around $40,000.

Spark EV – Last October, Chevy announced that there would be an EV version of the Spark available in some U.S. states in 2013. Not much in the way of specs or pricing is available yet. This may be a limited-production compliance vehicle.

Chrysler Electric Vehicles

In February 2012 Chrysler announced that they would have an electric version of the subcompact Fiat 500 on sale by the end of the year. It is expected to get between 80 and 100 miles on a single charge. But Chrysler’s commitment to EVs seems a bit half-hearted and this may be a limited-production compliance vehicle.

Coda courtesy of Coda Automotive

Coda Automotive

Coda Sedan – This new car American car company introduced their Coda Sedan in March. It lacks bells and whistles, but it does have a 125-mile range, a top speed of 85 MPH and a charge time of 6 hours. Pricing starts around $38,000.

Commuter Electric Cars

Tango T600 – Nothing new to report on the Tango. This limited-production two-seater is blisteringly fast (0-60 in 3.2 seconds) and has a range of 100 miles. It costs upwards of $200,000. Commuter has a waiting list for those who are interested in less-expensive future models.

Electric Mobile Cars

Another new American company, Electric Mobile Cars, started up last year. Right now, they are only selling commercial fleet vehicles: a 7-passenger van, a pick-up truck and cargo utility vehicle. They all have an impressive range of 200 miles at 75 MPH. They are planning to have models ready for consumers in 2013.

Fiat Electric Cars

See Chrysler above.

Fisker Electric Vehicles

Karma – Fisker finally started delivering its long-awaited hybrid sports car last December. EPA fuel efficiency numbers were lower than expected: 52 MPGe (combined) and just 20 MPG on gas-only. Its all-electric range is 32 miles. Pricing starts around $93,000.

Fisker has also announced two new models: the Surf station wagon and the Atlantic sedan. No word on when they will start production.

Ford Electric Cars

Fusion Energi – The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid will have a plug-in hybrid variant called the Energi, with a reported 100 MPGe. It will have an all-electric range of about 20 miles at a top speed of 62 MPH.  The regular Fusion Hybrid (non plug-in) will start around $28,000, but no price has been announced for the Energi, which arrives Spring 2013.

Focus Electric courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Focus Electric – On sale since January, the Focus Electric is an electric-only plugin with 110 MPGe, a range of about 76 miles and a top speed of 84 MPH. It can re-charge in about 4 hours. Pricing starts around $40,000. This is may be a limited-production compliance vehicle.

C-MAX Energi – Ford’s new C-MAX hatchback will be available this fall in a plug-in model that will have an electric-only range of about 20 miles and a total range of 550 miles at 95 MPGe. It will re-charge in about 3 hours and have a top electric speed of 85 MPH. Pricing starts around $33,000 and because it has a larger battery than the Prius, it qualifies for a larger tax credit — making it the cheapest plug-in hybrid available so far in the U.S.

F-550 – Back in 2011, Ford announced that they would be offering a plug-in diesel hybrid option for their Super Duty pickup trucks, starting with the F-550 in 2013.  But there’s been no updates since then.

Honda Electric Cars

Accord Hybrid Plug-in – This winter Honda will be introducing a plug-in version of the Accord Hybrid. It will have an all-electric range of 15 miles with a top electric speed of 62 MPH. Recharge time will be 1.5 hours. No word yet on price or MPG.

Honda Fit EV – The all-electric version of the Fit will be available for lease in August in major cities on the West Coast and in the Northeast. It gets an impressive 118 MPGe, with a driving range of 82 miles and a top speed of 92 MPH. Re-charge takes around 3 hours. The lease costs $389/month for 36 months. This may be a limited-production compliance vehicle.

Hyundai Electric Vehicles

Hyundai Elantra Touring Hybrid – Rumor has it that Hyundai is developing a plug-in version of their Elantra. No details are available yet.

LE Wireless Charging courtesy of Infiniti USA

Infiniti Electric Cars

Infiniti LE Electric – Infiniti unveiled their LE electric vehicle at the 2012 New York Auto Show. It is expected to have a range of 100 miles and have the first wireless charging system. No other details have been revealed yet, but it should arrive in 2014.

Jaguar Electric Cars

C-X75 – This sports car/rocket ship is scheduled for production and due in 2013. The plug-in hybrid will do 0-60 in less than 3.0 seconds. Electric range is expected to be about 30 miles. The downside? Pricing is expected to be around $1.23 million.

XJ_e – This concept vehicle was unveiled in June. It pairs the flagship XJ sedan with a plug-in hybrid system, giving it an electric-only range of 25 miles and an expected MPGe of 73. No word on when, or if, it will go into production.

Jeep Electric Vehicles

AMP Jeep Grand Cherokee – While Chrysler isn’t focusing on electric vehicles, AMP Electric Vehicles is offering a Grand Cherokee electric makeover. They replace the Cherokee’s standard engine with 2 electric motors, giving it 203 horsepower and a range of about 100 miles. They will offer both AWD and RWD models and pricing starts around $57,000.

Kia Electric Vehicles

Kia has introduced two electric vehicles in Korea – the Ray and the Naimo, but has announced no plans to bring them to the States yet.

Land Rover Electric Vehicles

Range_e – Land Rover has been testing a plug-in diesel hybrid prototype in England called the Range_e. It has an all-electric range of 20 miles and a combined range of 690 miles. No word yet on whether this vehicle will make it to production.

Lexus Electric Vehicles

There were rumors back in 2010 that Lexus was planning a plug-in variant of their CT 200h hybrid, but there has been no mention of it since then.

Lincoln Electric Cars

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – A sister vehicle to the Ford Fusion, the MKZ hybrid may also get a plug-in version in 2013, if there is demand.

Mazda Electric Vehicles

While Mazda has been focused on their fuel-efficient SkyActive line of gasoline and diesel engines, they have announced a pilot leasing program for an all-electric vehicle in Japan — the Demio EV.

Mercedes-Benz Electric Cars

B-series – Tesla has announced that they will be building components for a new EV for Mercedes, coming in 2014. It is most likely for the compact B Series, which is currently only offered in Europe. No word on specs yet.

Mini E courtesy of BMW of North America

Mini Electric Cars

Mini E – The 2-seater Mini E is currently undergoing field trials in New York and L.A. It has a range of about 100 miles, a 95 MPH top speed and can recharge in about 3 hours.

Mitsubishi Electric Vehicles

i-MiEV – The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is already on sale. Offering 112 MPGe, it has a range of about 62 miles and can re-charge in 7 hours. It has a top speed of 81 MPH. Pricing is as low as $21,625 after tax savings.

Nissan Electric Cars

Leaf – The Nissan Leaf has been on sale now for a year and a half. The 2013 Leaf will arrive at dealers this fall with a new heater that should improve its winter driving range, an upgraded 6.6 kilowatt charger, and optional leather seats. It continues to have 99 MPGe and a 100-mile range. No word on 2013 pricing, but the 2012 started around $35,000.

Porsche Electric Cars

918 Spyder – Porsche’s plug-in hybrid “super car” is arriving September 2013. It sports over 700 horsepower, 78 combined MPG, a 15-mile electric range — and an $800,000 price tag.

Panamera – Rumors say a plug-in hybrid variant of the Panamera is in the works for 2014.

Scion Electric Cars

iQ EV – The Scion iQ EV enters the production cycle this year, but sales will be fleet-only .

Smart Electric Cars

Electric Drive – The diminutive 2-seat Smart Electric Drive is coming to the U.S. this fall. The 2013 Smart ED has a 90-mile range and a maximum speed of 77 MPH. It re-charges in under 6 hours.  Pricing is expected to start around $28,000.

Subaru Electric Cars

Subaru does not seem to have any plug-in electric vehicles in the works at the moment, though they are scheduled to introduce their first hybrid in Japan next year.

Model S courtesy of Tesla Motors

Tesla Electric Cars

Model S - Tesla wowed the world with its Roadster, and now they are impressing again with the Model S, which is on sale now. The all-electric luxury sports sedan is offered with three range options: 160, 230, or 300 miles. It can do 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 130 MPH. The EPA rates it at 89 MPGe. Pricing starts around $57,000.

Model X – The crossover Model X, with seating for 7, is coming in 2014.

Think Electric Cars

Think Global has filed for bankruptcy and its stock of City EVs seems to have been liquidated back in April.

Toyota Electric Cars

Prius Plug-in Hybrid – The new Prius Plug-in is now available in the Northeast and on the West Coast, with more states being added in 2013. It features an all-electric range of 11 miles and an electric top speed of 62 MPH. It can re-charge in 1.5 hours. Pricing starts at $32,000.

RAV4 EV – The all-electric version of the RAV4 SUV is expected to go on sale soon in California. It features a 100-mile range, 6-hour charge and a price just under $50,000. This is most likely a limited-production compliance vehicle.

Volkswagen Electric Cars

VW has no EVs available now, but there are rumors of a Golf plug-in hybrid coming in 2015. VW has also unveiled concepts for a plug-in diesel-hybrid Cross Coupe Concept and an all-electric Buggster EV.

Volvo Electric Cars

Volvo has no EVs in production, but they did unveil a plug-in hybrid XC60 concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Wheego Electric Vehicles

LiFe- The little 2-seat Wheego LiFe has a 100-mile range, a top speed of 65 MPH and pricing that starts at $33,000. The LiFe is available now.

So there you have it, the electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid lineup in the USA for 2013.

Did we leave anything out? Did we make any mistakes?

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photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz USA

Shopping for a 2012 clean diesel car and thinking about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC diesel sedan? Here’s a summary of major reviews of the vehicle to help you decide. Be sure to leave a comment at the bottom if you have questions, or something to add!

The Mercedes S350 is equipped with a 3.0 liter diesel V6 that generates 240 horsepower and an “incredible” 455 lb.-ft. of torque. It is the second-cheapest model of the S-Class and is the most fuel-efficient of the bunch — even better than the hybrid. The EPA rates the fuel economy to be 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. MSRP is $92,550.

MotorTrend — First Test: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 4MATIC BlueTEC

MotorTrend starts off with high praise: “Let’s cut to the chase: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 4MATIC BlueTEC is the best long-distance cruiser money can buy in America. Period.” They note that the diesel is 2.1 seconds slower from 0-60 than the S550 and slower than the ML350 in the quarter mile. Yet, they say it is a more “compelling” car because “it feels so much like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class used to feel — effortlessly relaxed and comfortable, and utterly bulletproof. It has the languid majesty that’s been missing from some of the more frenetically powerful S-Class models of recent years,” they continue.

They found the diesel to be “almost inaudible under hard acceleration. … even at 100 mph, the cabin is quiet enough for muted conversation.” And it is the most efficient. The cruising range of the car is more than 700 miles. “We averaged 72 mph for a 500-mile stint out of L.A. and got 29.2 MPG, and over a total of 913 miles that included about 120 miles of urban running and a fast 50-mile blast along one of our favorite back roads, where at times we cruised at 100 mph, the big Benz returned 26.1 MPG,” they reported.

MotorTrend did note that “… the S350 BlueTEC feels slightly lazy on the change of direction, and the 4MATIC system coats the steering in a layer of gelatin, but… it corners with imperious composure, the Airmatic suspension simply shrugging off random lumps and bumps in the road.”

They found the car to be “surprisingly” quick along a winding road.

Bloomberg Businessweek — First Drive: 2012 Mercedes S350 BlueTEC

Businessweek was quick to point out that Mercedes has not offered a diesel-powered version of the S-Class for the past 16 years. Finally they are doing it with this S350 BlueTEC. However, they lament that you give up “raw speed” with the S350 BlueTEC.

They call the ride “very smooth”, but a little “boaty” and they say that it is “squishier” than the BMW 7 Series. They also complain that the brakes don’t bite as hard as they do on the BMW. They add that there is a “slight hesitation” when the accelerator is “punched” but “the car accelerates smoothly after that.”

They agree that the cabin is quiet when the car is driven at all speeds. However, they claim that you do hear the “rasp” of the diesel engine when the car is accelerated “at a relatively low speed.”

Businessweek also discussed the S350′s maintenance: “The diesel engine requires virtually no extra maintenance, Mercedes says. You need to top off the AdBlue reservoir, AdBlue being a chemical solution essential to reducing emissions from the diesel engine. The dealer can do this during regular maintenance visits, or the owner can do it. It’s only slightly more complicated than topping off a car’s windshield wiper fluid, the main difficulty being that the AdBlue reservoir is under the spare tire, so you have to remove the spare to get at it.”

In the end, Businessweek recommended the S350 BlueTEC for its combination of performance, price and fuel efficiency, calling it a “no brainer.”

Car and Driver —  2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec 4MATIC

Car and Driver points out that the highs on this car are that it comes “fairly loaded,” it is quiet, offers great MPG numbers and it loves the highway. Lows are that its acceleration “won’t set your hair on fire” and its “meager” grip: “The S350 posts a disappointing 0.79 g on the skidpad and brakes like a frigate, needing 181 feet to stop from 70 mph.” They conclude that: “All the S-class virtues remain, but the diesel—cheaper, smarter, and as pleasurable to drive as any S550—brings real rationality and economy to the proceedings.”

2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC Review Summary

To sum it up, here are the main likes and dislikes:

Likes:

• Best long-distance cruiser
• Quiet and low-maintenance diesel engine
• Great MPG
• Airmatic Suspension
• Surprisingly quick on winding roads
• Fairly loaded

Dislikes:

• Lazy on the change of direction
• Muffled steering
• Rides a little “boaty”
• Long braking distance
• Slight hesitation in acceleration
• Meager grip

Do you own this car, or have you driven one? What’s your take?

Leave a comment and help out the people who are researching this car!

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photo courtesy of Volkswagen of America

Shopping for a 2012 clean diesel vehicle and thinking about the 2012 VW Touareg TDI SUV? Here’s a summary of major reviews of the vehicle to help you decide. Be sure to leave a comment at the bottom if you have questions, or something to add!

The 2012 Touareg TDI comes in three styles — the Sport, the Lux and the Executive. A 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine powers all three models. The engine generates 225 horsepower and a amazing 406 lbs-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. All styles feature 4-wheel drive and include automatic transmission, a navigation system, Bluetooth, iPod input, Satellite Radio, side/curtain airbags, and stability and traction controls. MSRP: From $46,875 for the Sport; $52,355 for the Lux; and $57,755 for the Executive.

Car and Driver — 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI diesel

Car and Driver found the 2012 VW Touareg TDI “continues to blend luxurious refinement in a mid-size SUV package. The interior is comfortable and of impeccable quality. The available diesel is a torque-rich beast that returns excellent fuel economy. A pricey, high-quality premium offering in its segment.”

They defined the highs to be “solid structure, quiet at speed, luxury touches inside, willing and miserly diesel option.” It identified the lows to be the premium pricing, and that it was “a little dull.”

They concluded, “Though marginally lighter than the original, the Touareg is still a beefy SUV. Quiet, supple, and lavishly appointed, the Touareg puts luxury ahead of sportiness. Try the diesel.”

Edmunds.com — 2012 Volkswagen Touareg

Edmunds noted that the car provides a “surprising level of luxury” and “is a serious competitor among more established high-end marques.”

They identified the pros to be “Confident driving dynamics; high-class interior; impressive equipment roster; powerful and fuel-efficient engine options; high towing capacity.” They said the cons are “No third-row seat; spongy brake pedal feel; upper trims get costly.”

They began their piece with this, “When you think of luxury brands, Volkswagen probably doesn’t produce much of a blip on your radar. The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg, however, might change your mind.”

Edmunds said that the base model interior is on par with established luxury car makers like BMW and Lexus.  “There’s an abundance of rich wood, metallic accents and high-quality materials; you’ll also find lots of up-to-date electronics and entertainment features,” they wrote. They also liked the 7,700 pounds of towing capacity.

They complain that there is no third-row seat permitting the vehicle to seat only five passengers. But they say that the second row is “roomy enough.”  They added that the cargo capacity is 32 cubic feet when the rear seat is up and 71 cubic feet when the seat is folded down.

One might think that its off-road ride would be lacking, but they call it adequate. “Despite lacking a low-range transmission for off-road excursions, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg provides a fair amount of trail prowess thanks to its minimal front/rear overhangs, decent ground clearance and compliant suspension. But even if you never venture off the beaten path, it is still quite satisfying to drive. Steering response is particularly sharp, though the effort level is perhaps too light for some tastes,” they said.

They found the turbo diesel V6 to be “worth the extra cash” due to the superior torque and fuel economy.

AOL Autos -- 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Expert Review: New Car Test Drive

AOL Autos found that the front seats are comfortable and supportive and that the interior offered as much room for passengers as the Mercedes-Benz M350 and BMW X5.  Moreover, “Climate controls are properly sized and positioned, as are the primary switches that bring up the touch-screen’s icons for the sound and navigation systems’ layers of options and functions. The navigation system is superb, with a remarkably quick adaptation to course changes. … Trim materials are high quality.”

Like the other reviews, AOL Autos was most impressed with the diesel engine, calling it “arguably the slickest of the three.”

2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Review Summary

In conclusion, the consensus appears to be:

Likes:

• Comfortable, quality interior
• Good diesel engine
• Amazing torque
• Solid structure
• Quiet at speed
• Good driving dynamics
• Impressive list of equipment
• Decent off-road ride

Dislikes:

• No third row seat
• Spongy feel to brake pedal
• Cost of upper trim packages

Do you own this car, or have you driven one? What’s your take? Leave a comment and help out the people who are researching this car!

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CC flickr photo courtesy of makelessnoise

Even if your wedding color isn’t green, you may still want a “greener” wedding. Whether we are talking about a quiet, quaint experience of only a few dozen close family and friends, or a party for 200 guests, all weddings are major events which can have a large carbon footprint and produce a lot of waste. For couples who are even mildly eco-conscious, there are options that can add an eco-friendly and natural vibe to any size gathering.

Location

One of the biggest decisions a couple will make together is where to get married, and your choice will have a large influence on how eco-friendly your event is. In searching for a sustainably run venue, whether a winery, hotel, or wedding facility, it is important to know:

- Do they recycle?

- Do they take measures to conserve energy and water?

- Has the facility used green building materials in its construction and interior décor?

- If the food is provided for by the venue, are vegetarian, local, or organic options offered?

- If any paper products are used, are they made from recycled, post-consumer waste?

- How far is it located from the homes of most of your guests?

Season

Selecting a late summer or early fall wedding date ensures that local food and flowers are available in abundance, allowing you to avoid having to ship them long distances.

Attire

Weddings are about joining the lives of two people in love.  We all know that.  But let’s be honest ladies…. once we know we are getting married, the first thing we want to do is pick out that wedding dress. For the bride who wants to consider a more sustainable garment, here are a few thoughts.  And remember, there is a sense of romance that can come from considering a garment of less synthetic materials, or one that has a history that precedes the current day, if a bride is open to such ideas.

- The easiest, and often most cost-effective, choice for a wedding dress is to find one on consignment. It can be the most romantic level of recycling, and often a dress can be found for a bargain that is of a much higher quality than the average bride could have afforded new.

- Check out the wedding gowns of your mother, grandmother, aunts, etc. You may just find a family treasure waiting for you in the attic.

- There are many new materials being used to make wedding and other special occasion dresses as beautiful as ever.  Hemp-based silks, organic cottons, nutshells, and more are being used all over the country to create gorgeous pieces. Companies like Conscious Elegance out of Pennsylvania use fair trade policies, and an environmentally sound working environment to carry their eco-friendly values throughout every aspect of their production.

There seem to be fewer eco-friendly options for the groom, but consider the following:

- If you must have tuxedos, renting is more eco-friendly than buying. Consider having your cummerbunds or ties handmade.

- If you are open to more casual suits, several companies make eco-friendly men’s suits, such as this organic hemp suit from Rawganique.

- When renting, look for a place that uses “greener” dry-cleaning methods to clean the suits after you return them.

For the most eco-friendiness, consider a beach or backyard wedding, with a casual dress code for both the wedding party and guests.

Eco Friendly Wedding Food Choices

More than any other choice a couple makes for their wedding, the food they decide to serve can have the largest environmental impact. Factors to consider:

- Is the food locally grown?  This cuts down on the fossils fuels used to deliver the food (and therefore often cuts down on costs as well).

- Is the produce organic?  Sometimes more costly, but often more fresh, and always healthier for both people and the planet.

- Are the meats free range or grass fed?  At the moment both choices tend to cost a bit more, but when it comes to a wedding, the differences are small compared to the statement you make on this milestone event in your life.

- Are sustainably harvested fish or vegetarian choices available?  Often, the delicious meals that incorporate these lower-on-the food chain choices are the greenest, cheapest, and most delectable of all wedding menu faire.  And guests never miss the meat!

Environmentally Friendly Wedding Flowers

Brides often have a favorite flower they want in their bouquet, or a color they want to match the wedding theme. Keep in mind that the most environmentally savvy choice is almost always locally grown. Ask your florist what flowers are in bloom and locally available during the month of your event. If you choose a location of natural beauty, such as a garden or beach, you can let mother nature take care of most of the decorations.

Eco Friendly Wedding Favors

One of the most fun and creative aspects of planning a wedding is choosing the favors that each guest will take home.  There are limitless eco-friendly choices, and they can both be beautiful and inspiring. Tiny trees in a little pot in the wedding colors look gorgeous on a table and can be a reminder of the day for years to come. Packets of flower or herb seeds are another wonderful keepsake, and are inexpensive. Soy or beeswax candles are a bit more costly, but a very elegant gift.  Anything that can be used again and again rather than thrown away is a good choice. Or skip the favors altogether and make a donation to an earth-friendly charity on the behalf of your guests instead.

Transportation

Nearly every wedding party relies on a limousine of some type to get the whole gang to and from each venue.  We have seen Hummer limos, Escalade limos, and the traditional sedans as well. While it may be the one and only time a bride and groom opt for such a gas-guzzling machine, the more couples that choose greener, cleaner forms of transportation, the more limo companies will be forced to invest in other types of engines for their vehicles. If using a limo of some kind is unavoidable, choosing a venue where both the ceremony and reception can both take place cuts down on wasted energy — and wasted time commuting from one spot to another.

Of course, it goes without saying that eloping or making a quick trip to the local courthouse is the most eco-friendly choice of all… but who doesn’t want to celebrate their love with friends and family? Incorporate a few eco-friendly ideas and give the planet a reason to celebrate with you.

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photo courtesy of Volkswagen of America

Shopping for a 2012 clean diesel car and thinking about the 2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI Diesel? Here’s a summary of major reviews of the vehicle to help you decide. Be sure to leave a comment at the bottom if you have questions, or something to add!

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Golf TDI is the 2.0 liter, four-cylinder clean diesel engine that gives the car 30 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway. Its power may be considered somewhat modest with at 140 horsepower. However, it does provide 236 lbs-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm and since the engine is a turbo, it moves quite quickly. MSRP starts at $24,235

Autos.aol.com — 2012 Volkswagen Golf Expert Review: New Car Test Drive

AOL Autos starts out calling the Golf “enjoyable to drive, smooth and fuel efficient.”

The Golf is offered with a choice of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic referred to as the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). AOL Autos notes that the Golf is slower from 0-60 than the gas model, but the higher level of torque at lower RPMs results in “responsive performance around town”

They refer to the interior as “austere but of pleasingly high quality” and praise the comfort and 8-way adjustability of the front seats.

As for handling and ride, they noted that “While handling is basically neutral, understeer appears in the TDI at the limit, which again is a bit higher than the limit of the 2.5-liter model.” They also praised the diesel engine:  “On urban freeways, throttle response is quick and linear, with little hint of turbo lag. Thanks to the diesel’s hefty torque curve, the engine pulls strongly well past legal U.S. speeds, but it doesn’t rev as high and isn’t as lively as the 2.5 liter much beyond 110 mph.”

They conclude, “The Volkswagen Golf is enjoyable to drive, with an impressive balance of ride and handling, as well as a classy interior. The standard Golf offers Volkswagen quality and refinement at Honda prices. The Golf TDI gets excellent fuel economy, but its diesel engine isn’t cheap.”

Carthrottle.com — 2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI DSG Test Drive: German Efficiency

Carthrottle.com agrees with the other reports, that the interior is good, controls are more easily managed, seats are comfortable and the appearance and feel of the cabin are high quality.

They also praised the diesel saying, “like a modern diesel the TDI feels faster than it is.  And it’s not that slow, either: figure around 8 seconds to sixty, which is only about a half-second off the standard engine’s time.”

They conclude “With diesel fuel more expensive, and diesel engines considerably more expensive, it will never make sense from a penny-pinching standpoint.  That’s OK: VW’s diesels can sell on their character and fun-to-drive merits.  A nicely equipped car in the mid 20′s that’s fun to drive and gets 40+ mpg?  Sounds good to me.”

Road & Track — Volkswagen Golf TDI: Road Test Update

Road & Track said that the TDI featured “a supple ride and well-controlled suspension movements” during their test drive. They noted that it maintained an average of 38.9 MPG during their testing and that it doesn’t need urea injection to meet state emission requirements. They conclude: “The Golf TDI, with its independent rear suspension, efficient TDI powerplant, excellent practicality, abundant safety features (it has six standard airbags) and lively road manners, makes an intriguing argument against a hybrid. ”

2012 Volkswagen Golf Clean Diesel TDI Review Summary

In conclusion, the consensus appears to be:

Likes:

• Enjoyable to drive
• Comfortable front seats
• Roomy cabin
• Good handling and ride quality
• Torque of diesel turbocharged engine
• Nice interior and exterior design
• Fuel efficiency

Dislikes:

• Somewhat slow 0-60
• Price rises quickly with options

Do you own this car, or have you driven one? What’s your take?

Leave a comment and help out the people who are researching this car!

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