Diesels are a big business in Europe, where every other car drinks from the black pump, not to mention all of the commercial or commercial-derived vehicles. However, the profile of diesel buyers has changed from economy-minded folk with a high tolerance for agricultural engine sounds to mainstream buyers looking for the best possible blend of performance, economy and usability.
Modern diesels deliver, and have been doing so for a good few years now – progress is also unstoppable in the automotive industry, and since diesels bring in a lot of cash, a lot of time is spent improving them.
Just check out the video below, which features the acceleration runs of two DSG-equipped VW Golf TDIs, one of which is the Mk VI GTD model, with 170 PS (167 hp), while the other is the latest model, which comes with a new version of the two-liter power plant delivering 150PS (148hp) – the latest GTD makes 184PS (181 hp).
The old car is on top, in the split-screen video, but there really isn’t that much in it, and both models have very impressive acceleration all throughout the rev range – no lag, no clatter, no fuss. If you were to show this video to somebody twenty years ago, they would not believe that these two cars are diesels…
By Andrei Nedelea
Story References: Automann TV via Autoevolution
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