WardsAuto editors are evaluating six diesels this year as part of Ward's 10 Best Engines. Senior Editor Tom Murphy discusses two: Chevy Cruze Diesel and Mercedes E250 Bluetec.
A record six diesels are in this year’s competition. WardsAuto editors are driving 45 vehicles with all-new or redesigned engines or propulsion systems. Among the nominees, 20 are turbocharged and three are supercharged.
The supercharged V-6 is notable not only for its refinement and efficiency but also for its versatility, powering everything from compacts to big CUVs.
Despite 278 eager horses, editors logged 29.4 mpg – well above its 25-mpg combined rating. In an era when many auto makers are being hammered for not coming close to their official fuel-economy ratings, this is exceptional.
This new 2.4L 4-cyl. is the first production beneficiary of "Earth Dreams” technology, Honda's whimsical name for a set of next-generation advancements aimed at improving performance and efficiency.