Some Americans still look at diesels tepidly (probably quite a few of them, actually), which is why most reviews of oil-burning cars start off with the same basic explanations as this one from CNET, for the BMW 328d Touring.
It seems regular consumers still needs to be reassured that they’re not buying something that is utterly slow and unrefined, even if diesels have been selling very well in Germany and the whole of Europe where the car culture is comparable – that should be a hint, but it doesn’t seem to be going through.
However, nobody, not even the most ardent anti-diesel SUV-loving buyer, could pick faults with the 328d wagon. It’s actually one of the coolest single models you could possibly think of buying in the US, particularly if you’re looking for a car that can carry five and their bags, plus a roof rack (and pull it off in style).
And the engine, well, it’s better than the gasoline variant, even if slower. The diesel provides peak torque in the part of the rev range you use when you’re just driving along and is the perfect tool for a relaxed driver that wants overtaking to be a breeze.
By Andrei Nedelea