Should Next-Gen Sonata Offer a Diesel Option?

[igotzzoom]

I have to admit I'm very intrigued by the 2014 Mazda 6 with the Skyactiv-D diesel. I can't wait to drive one! If output is close to the Euro-spec model, we're looking at at least 170 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, and likely more than 40 mpg highway.

Two questions: Do you think the Mazda 6 diesel will be popular in the U.S., and do you think Hyundai should offer a diesel option in the next-generation Sonata?

[destro]

Nope, nope

[Danno]

Food for thought in this article. The M6-d will do well in Canada, if the price premium is reasonable. The diesel offerings will increase the next few years as the CAFE standards increase. Hyundai should offer a 2.2 liter diesel in the Santa Fe. Turbo motors will not give the real world fuel savings folks expect.

The impending diesel bombardment - The Globe and Mail

[Ol' Man]

When I was looking at cars before I bought the '11 SE, I was entertaining the thought of a diesel. Today, the cost of diesel fuel here in NE Indiana is ALMOST $1.00 higher than 87 octane. It would take a jillion miles of driving to offset that difference. Sure glad I didn't board that ship.

[Danno]

Originally Posted by Ol' Man

When I was looking at cars before I bought the '11 SE, I was entertaining the thought of a diesel. Today, the cost of diesel fuel here in NE Indiana is ALMOST $1.00 higher than 87 octane. It would take a jillion miles of driving to offset that difference. Sure glad I didn't board that ship.

Interesting. Ever since my buddy bought his 2008.5 MY Grand Cherokee in early 2009 with the MB 3.0L diesel engine, diesel prices in Canada have been 20 - 40 cents per gallon cheaper than 87 octane gasoline.

[Mikemu]

The economics of diesel don't work unless you drive lots of miles each year. I looked at the Passat diesel before buying the Sonata.

[Danno]

Originally Posted by Mikemu

The economics of diesel don't work unless you drive lots of miles each year. I looked at the Passat diesel before buying the Sonata.

Did you compare Passat gas to Passat diesel or Passat diesel to Sonata? Apple to apple or apple to orange?

[Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Mikemu

The economics of diesel don't work unless you drive lots of miles each year. I looked at the Passat diesel before buying the Sonata.

Yeah, that's what I was trying to say. I only put about 6-7k on the car each year. My Summer miles are divided between the two motorcycles.

[Mikemu]

Originally Posted by Danno

Did you compare Passat gas to Passat diesel or Passat diesel to Sonata? Apple to apple or apple to orange?

Passat diesel to Sonata gas. For starters, there's no wiggle room on the purchase price of the diesel (at least that's the way it was last May). Then factor in the significant PPG differential and the deal is off for the average driver (15K miles/year).