9 diesel cars and trucks that will save you money...

[too_slow]

No, without the GTI trim. The Golf TDI sold here is essentially a 140hp GTD (instead of 170hp).

I'd rather have a Golf TDI without sports seats, sports suspension or 17" alloys. They used to be normal, but went GT with the MK6.

For the same price, I am sure us Canadians would love to trade our base model TDI (with 16" alloys, no sport package, no sport seats) for your us-SPEC TDI with xenons + RNS315 + Dynaudio (none of which are available on our shores.. but hey, we can get the vienna black leather on the $30k model!) Seriously, they both sticker for the same price!

[Numbersix]

Personally I think for most people, the power difference won't matter in 90% of driving situations.

I've owned multiple versions of both (actually I have another 2.0T on order). Yeah, the 2.0T is quicker at high RPM's, but it's hardly a rocket in its own right. When driving TDI's there are few times I miss the 2.0T's extra power.

Just my opinion.

Having one of both in my fleet--installed in the same chassis (MkVI Golf), I have to agree.

The TDI definitely runs out of breath, power-wise, if you request WOT when merging on the freeway or trying to execute a pass on a two-lane road uphill.

Otherwise, if you drive it in the torque band, it's a fantastic motor that offers much the same driving experience as the 2.0T--with the ability to get up to 52mpg (in my experience).

[feels_road]

The TDI definitely runs out of breath, power-wise, if you request WOT when merging on the freeway or trying to execute a pass on a two-lane road uphill.

I have to disagree here, a bit. I mean, you can't legally drive a MT Golf TDI in 3rd gear to the top, in the US. Merging in 5th is usually fine, 4th is aggressive, and 3rd is what sport cars used to be not long ago (yes, I am old). And at elevation, above 8,000 - 10,000 feet, the engine truly shines and will leave many NA cars behind, even when fully loaded ... and that means ~1,000 lbs - more than many SUVs can legally carry.

DSG? All is different; gearing is crazy, as is the lack of fuel savings under normal driving.