A Role Model for SUVs Everywhere

Canadians are no strangers to diesels. In fact, throughout all of North America we're probably the most prevalent consumers of vehicles powered

Canadians are no strangers to diesels. In fact, throughout all of North America we're probably the most prevalent consumers of vehicles powered by this particular petroleum distillate. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

by this particular petroleum distillate. It's no wonder either, considering how far the technology has come since the major wave of dirty, clattery, slow oil burners hit our shores in the '70s, after the fuel embargo.

But the soot-stained reputation of this alternative fuel has long passed, with powerful, clean, common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel technology now available. Neglecting the commercial vehicle market, diesel's best effort has come from Volkswagen, which offers nearly all of its vehicles, bar the ultra-upscale (and ultimately poor-selling) Phaeton sedan, with TDI turbodiesel technology. Mercedes-Benz Canada

I'm a diesel fanatic. Though I've never owned one, and up until this point had never driven one, they've always had a great appeal to me. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

also receives the thumbs up for its long history of importing some ofthe best diesels around, its mark left in the '70s with the full-size 240d and 300d diesel sedans, many of which are still running about today.

I, myself, am a diesel fanatic. Though I've never owned one, and up until this point had never driven one, they've always had a great appeal to me, which could very well be chalked up from my years of reading European car magazines. Across the Atlantic, diesel is absolutely huge, turning decades of availability into ever increasing popularity.