While diesel is being priced proportionally to gasoline, it still offers a much greater value due to reduced fuel consumption. And what's more, while a decent

While diesel is being priced proportionally to gasoline, it still offers a much greater value due to reduced fuel consumption. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

case for economics can be made, there's also one for performance enthusiasts less likely to make the front page. Many carmakers offer performance diesels which can shame even the most highly-strung gasoline engines. Take BMW for instance; its 545d is capable of out-accelerating the M5 V10 from 80 to 120 km/h in top gear, and the most sought-after Audi A8 is powered by the world's most powerful V8 turbodiesel. With the positive reputation that modern diesels are building, it comes as no surprise that Jeep was eager to introduce a diesel-powered model into its North American lineup. And let's not forget the admirable fuel consumption, something of a growing concern with SUV buyers everywhere.

While Chrysler Group's "business partner" Mercedes-Benz, the result of a "merger

The 2.8-litre CRD powerplant under the Liberty's hood comes not from Germany, where Jeep's sibling Mercedes-Benz resides, but from Italy. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

of equals" that formed DaimlerChrysler, has decades of experience in crafting diesel engines, the powerplant under the Liberty's hood comes not from Germany, but from Italy. It seems that it's not only the Germans who love oil-burning power, but the Italians too. Many of GM's finest diesels for use in Opels, Saabs and even Euro-bound Suzukis were created by Fiat using its JTD technology, and DCX has brought in their own Latin brand to help out. DDC Cento (previously known as VM Motori) the European subsidiary of Detroit Diesel, of which DaimlerChrysler has a 49 percent stake, designed and builds this engine. It's then shipped over to North America, and fitted into cute but rugged little Libertys. At 2.8 litres in displacement, it's mighty big for a four-cylinder, but in the diesel world, it's just average.