Introduction
We realize there’s an awful lot of hype out there about new powertrains that promise to solve a long list of our planet’s most pressing problems, from global warming to the nationwide shortage of buffalo wings.

So we’re going to give it to you straight. Because we figure that if we lay out the pros and cons of the two main alternatives — gasoline-electric hybrids and clean diesels — you’re smart enough to reach your own conclusions. Of course, we’re also pretty confident Volkswagen’s TDI clean diesel models will look pretty good by comparison.

That understandable bias aside, let’s take a closer look at these two popular car choices:

Gasoline-Electric Hybrids
The first thing you should know about hybrid vehicles, which combine a traditional gasoline engine with a battery pack and one or more electric motors, is that they’re not all created equal.

Generally speaking, there are two types: Mild hybrids like the Honda Civic Hybrid use their electric motors mainly to boost the performance of their smallish gasoline engine, which means they typically get better mileage on the highway than they do around town. Full hybrids like the Toyota Prius, on the other hand, can operate on battery power alone for short distances, making them more fuel-efficient in stop-and-go traffic than they are on the highway. While several hybrid models place highly on the EPA’s list of the greenest vehicles on the road, there are several issues you should be aware of:

• No one expects a hybrid to be all that exciting to drive, but be aware that most also have small quirks—like a surging feeling when you step on the brake pedal—that owners say takes some getting used to.
• Don’t be fooled into thinking that a “Hybrid” badge automatically means a particular model is the best choice for the environment. In fact, there are a number of new non-hybrid models on the road that are actually more fuel-efficient and/or less-polluting than some hybrids.
• The greater complexity of hybrid powertrains means there’s more that can go wrong. This includes replacing the vehicle’s large, expensive battery pack at the end of its useful life.
• Check to see if the federal government’s Alternative Motor Vehicle tax credit is still available on the hybrid you’re considering. Many of the most popular models no longer qualify.

TDI Clean Diesel
When it comes right down to it, Volkswagen’s new generation of turbocharged “clean diesel” models combine impressive fuel economy* with the simplicity and durability of diesel engines. In addition, the TDI engines in both the Jetta sedan, SportWagen and the Touareg SUV are certified to meet the same tough government emission standards—known as “Tier 2 Bin 5”—as the cleanest gasoline-electric hybrids.

Finally, the abundant low-end torque TDI engines—combined with Volkswagen’s sporty European handling—make Volkswagen’s three clean diesel models hands-down winners in the fun-to-drive department. Other factors to consider:

• Because of their sturdier construction, it’s not uncommon for diesel engines to still be going strong after 250,000 miles with little more than regular maintenance (which is now complementary on all VW models for the first 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first**).
• With a 14.5-gallon fuel tank and EPA estimates of 41 mpg on the highway*, the Jetta TDI can go nearly 600 miles on a single fill-up. Of course, this also depends on your driving style and the type of roads you travel.
• While gasoline and diesel prices fluctuate, TDI models’ fuel economy numbers mean you’re still likely to end up spending less at the pump compared to some hybrids.
• All three Volkswagen TDI models are still eligible for the federal government’s Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle tax credits of up to $1,300, depending on the model you purchase.***

*Jetta TDI EPA estimates 30 mpg city / 41 mpg highway. Your mileage will vary.

**The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s 10K, 20K and 30K scheduled maintenance intervals except for the Volkswagen Routan. The Routan Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K and 36K scheduled maintenance intervals. Coverage is during the term of the new vehicle limited warranty, at no additional charge. The program covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details. Does not include routine wear and tear on parts such as brakes, tires, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc.

***Tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Cod, Section 30B relative to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Sedan and SportWagen and Touareg 2 TDI. Available to taxpayers who purchased a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov