Diesel power just in: Mercedes GL320, BMW X5 3.0 diesel, BMW 335d

Some automakers have had long-standing plans to offer diesel engines in this country. European automakers have stuck with those strategies despite the volatile price disparity between diesel and regular fuel. Japanese and domestic automakers, including Honda, Nissan and GM, have shelved their diesel plans for now.

Impressed by diesels we’ve previously tested from Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, we have added three more to our test fleet to see how they compare to their conventional counterparts. Our latest diesel models include the Mercedes-Benz GL320 Blue Tec and a pair of BMWs--the X5 and the 335d.

Mercedes-Benz GL320 Blue Tec
We were impressed with the GL450 when we tested it in 2006--a roomy, comfortable, yet responsive handling vehicle. We were also impressed with the 210-hp, 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine when we tested it in the E320 Blue Tec, which combined strong performance and refinement, yet returned 29 mpg overall. It was also free of traditional diesel smell, smoke, and sluggishness. Hence, we wanted to see how this engine performed in the GL.

Even though the GL is very heavy (5,655 lbs.), this engine remains smooth and muted, but initial off-the-line acceleration is sluggish. Once underway, it pulls strongly and manages to hit 60 mph in less than 10 seconds--a far cry from the 7.4 seconds we recorded for the GL450. Observed fuel economy, so far, is averaging 20 mpg overall. We got 15 mpg for our V8-powered GL450. If you’re starting to crunch the numbers, you should know that the GL320 is actually $1,000 cheaper than the GL450.

The other major difference between the two is that the GL320 comes with 20-inch run-flat tires, which brings more impact-harshness to the ride quality. Plus, the steering feedback is compromised. The GL benefits from a $1,550 federal tax credit for the first 60,000 purchasers, but you won’t qualify if you hit the AMT tax.

BMW X5 3.0 diesel
In contrast to the Mercedes example above, the X5 diesel adds an eye-opening $3,700 to the price of the 265-hp, regular-gas 3.0 model. So far, our diesel X5 is getting 23 mpg on average, compared with 17 mpg overall for the gas version. The X5’s diesel is not quite as refined as the Mercedes but feels punchier. In fact, it beats the regular X5 in 0-60 mph acceleration, but it’s less quick initially from a standstill. Other than that, the diesel X5 retains the choppy ride, excellent steering and agile handling (as well as confusing controls) of the standard X5.

Diesel and gasoline are about equal in price these days, so it’s a matter of how far you drive when it comes to payback time for the diesel version’s higher price. There is also added maintenance due to the replacement of the Urea solution (also required with the Mercedes), which serves in emission-cleaning arsenal. BMW replaces it at service intervals and will warn you 1,000 miles prior. This diesel qualifies for a $1,550 federal tax credit. With that, and at current gas prices, and with an annual mileage of 12,000 miles it would take more than four years to break even.

BMW 335d
On the face of it, there is a $2,275 premium for a 335d over the rear-wheel drive 335i, once adjusted for the standard automatic transmission in the diesel. However, assuming your attitude is one of saving money and fuel, you’d probably look at the more popular 328i. In that case, the diesel commands a whopping $8,975 price premium. So far we’ve been getting 33 mpg with the diesel according to the car’s trip computer. Our last 328i attained 23 mpg overall.

Beyond the questionable economics, the diesel 3 retains its excellent steering and body control and one might argue is even more of a hoot to drive. We haven’t completed our acceleration tests yet, but the torque of the diesel delivers an addicting mid-range rush that, if you’re not careful, will send the car into three-digit speeds all too easily. The 335d benefits from a $900 federal tax credit. With that taken into account it would take about 20 years to break even compared to a 328i at an annual mileage of 12,000.

Bottom line
In general, diesel engines cut fuel consumption by about 30 percent and as a byproduct reduces C02 emissions. And contemporary common-rail diesel combined with devices that abolish smoke and smell make the engines a lot more livable. That said, in terms of particles causing soot, diesels are still not as clean as modern gas engines.

Opting for a diesel in today’s environment may not save you money. It is a function of the price differential to the conventional version, the price of diesel fuel and your annual mileage. Other than economics, any diesel can be fueled with an up to 20 percent bio-diesel blend, which further cuts petroleum consumption. If diesel prices remain similar to gasoline, as they are today, there would be true appeal.

—Gabe Shenhar

Car brands: Who owns what?

The auto industry is very complicated these days, with constant change across all corners of the globe. The worldwide economic slowdown dictates widespread cost reductions, inspiring partnerships and changes in ownership. Further confusing the scene are past commitments between companies: For example, the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is based on a Mercedes-Benz platform–even though Chrysler and Mercedes are no longer joined at the hip.

To help clear up some of the confusion, here is a road map to navigate who owns what brands among the major companies that sell in the U.S. car market.

BMW owns: BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce

Fiat owns: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati; Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep–20-percent stake

Ford Motor Company owns: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo (for now), and still owns 13.4 percent of Mazda

General Motors owns: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC. Also owns a controlling interest in Daewoo, as well as Opel and Vauxhall in Europe and Holden in Australia. (Pontiac to be discontinued)

Honda owns: Honda, Acura

Hyundai owns: Hyundai, Kia

Tata Motors (India) owns: Jaguar and Land Rover

Mazda (partially owned by Ford)

Mitsubishi

Daimler AG owns: Mercedes-Benz and Smart

Nissan owns: Nissan and Infiniti (Nissan is owned by Renault--France)

Porsche owns: Porsche and a majority share in Volkswagen

Subaru (A controlling interest of Subaru is owned by Toyota)

Suzuki

Toyota Motor Company owns: Lexus, Toyota, Scion, Daihatsu and Hino Motors, with a stake in Fuji Industries (Subaru’s parent company) and Isuzu

Volkswagen owns: Audi, Volkswagen, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and overseas SEAT and Skoda.

In formal negotiations to be sold:
Hummer: Tengzhong (China)
Saturn: Penske Automotive Group
Saab: Koenigsegg (Sweden)

--Liza Barth

2009 New York Auto Show: Mercedes is not asleep at the wheel

Mercedes-Benz’s new Attention Assist drowsiness detection system will be available in its new E-Class. According to the company, the system “has a highly sensitive feel for its driver’s attentiveness, and warns him of drowsiness ahead of time… [and] is equipped with highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor more than 70 different parameters.” As a 20-year auto show veteran, I’d like to see this equipment issued at some of the press conferences. After some of the speeches I’ve heard over the years, I’d appreciate anything that would keep me from nodding off--especially this year, with announcements being less dramatic and arguably significant than in years past. So far, the vat of Starbucks I’ve already consumed is doing the job, and we’re on the trail for several interesting stories.

Mercedes’ system comes with “audible warning accompanied by a visual warning in the instrument cluster.” Maybe all the seats at the press conferences could come with wires to shock people awake. No word yet if the system works with the car’s GPS to take you straight to Dunkin’ Donuts or your caffeine dream of choice.

--Mike Quincy

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 New York auto show.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe

Designed as a replacement for the CLK-Class, the 2010 E-Class coupe is a sportier version of the new E-Class sedan. It will feature the same engine choices--a V6 producing 268-hp (E350) or a V8 producing 382-hp (E550). Both engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and configured as rear-wheel drive. Fuel economy estimates are not yet available.

The design is a classic coupe profile that features fully retractable side windows. Mercedes claims this new coupe will be the most aerodynamic production vehicle in the world with a drag coefficient of 0.24 (the sedan is 0.26). This beats Toyota’s claims for the 2010 Toyota Prius at a drag value of 0.25.

A number of safety and technology advances will be available including an active suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, drowsiness detection, and adaptive high beam assist.

More details on the U.S. model will be revealed at the New York Auto Show in April. It will hit dealerships in June 2009. The E-Class convertible is expected to arrive in the U.S. in early 2010.

--Liza Barth

Car brand perception vs reality

Automakers spend billions annually to shape public perception for their products and brands, and in 2008 they were aiming at a moving target. During the past year, gas prices soared past $4 a gallon, then plummeted below $2; the economy put jobs and household budgets in peril; and the finance crunch made it more difficult to lease a car or secure a loan. Consumers held off on new-car purchases and placed a greater emphasis on factors that impact the wallet.

Perception
The latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center focused on how consumers perceive and rank car brands in seven crucial areas, including safety, quality, value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technological innovation. It also looked at which of those factors are most important to consumers when buying a vehicle.

As expected, we saw rankings shift in the 2009 Consumer Reports Car Brand Perceptions Survey compared to last year’s results. Toyota and Honda again top the list for over all score, leading by significant margins. However, domestic brands Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford saw decreases in overall brand perception.

To rank the brands, the Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a random, nationwide telephone survey, interviewing 1,745 adults whose household owns at least one car. From this, an overall brand perception index was calculated based on the total number of times that the particular make was mentioned as an exemplar in any of the seven categories.

Brand perception – Top 10
Toyota – 193
Honda – 149
Ford – 109
Cadillac – 102
Mercedes-Benz – 100
GMC – 98
Lexus – 95
BMW – 95
Chevrolet – 94
Volvo – 88

Reality
Now, this is not to say these are the "best" brands. Such a statement would warrant much more critical analysis than a perception survey, though ConsumerReports.org provides exhaustive information to help in making such assessments based on your own priorities. Going through our New Car Selector, you can filter and sort based on the factors that matter most to you, such as reliability, safety, owner costs, and road test scores.

In scanning through the brands highlighted here, you find invariably that each offers a range of models that perform across a spectrum. While it may be possible to make some general statements, it is more difficult to match the perception of good cars overall with matching test and survey results. For instance, BMW and Mercedes models tend to do well in our tests, however there is significant variance in reliability.

Perception doesn’t always match reality, though such surveys can provide an interesting mirror to the world and reveal trends.

See our full report on the 2009 Consumer Reports Car Brand Perceptions Survey for results in all seven categories and insights into what they mean.

—Jeff Bartlett

Clean diesel engines coming to a road, and track, near you

lean diesel technology is beginning to take root. Friday at our "Future of the Car" event I drove a couple of clean diesel SUVs, an Audi Q7 and a Mercedes-Benz ML320D. In both, the powertrains were very impressive: quiet, smooth, powerful, and quick. The Q7 is a stretched cousin of the Volkswagen Touareg while the ML320D is a diesel version of the familiar ML.

Since these were just trial laps around our swoopy mile-long ride evaluation course, and not instrumented runs, I can’t tell you what the timed acceleration numbers would be. By the seat-of-the-pants feel, these SUVs felt good, and if you weren’t told, you wouldn’t guess these were diesel engines. They felt punchy and responsive and there was no clatter, no smell, and no slow-motion takeoff. They will soon be joined on American roads by diesel versions of the Mercedes R320, GL320 (with the new Bluetec technology) SUVs, and the BMW 335 and X5. The Volkswagen Jetta diesel is already available.

It’s hard to overstate the potential significance of clean-diesel technology. The superior thermal efficiency of a diesel engine promises about 30 percent more miles per gallon than an equivalent gasoline engine, right from the get-go. If a big chunk of the current American fleet switched over to diesel, the cumulative fuel-savings would be gigantic. Essentially, it would cut fuel demand by one third without sacrificing space, power, or utility. The Audi and Mercedes-Benz reps who brought these vehicles to our test track told us that the cruising range of each was about 600 miles on a  tank.

The arrival of these first few clean diesels coincides with a milestone in air-quality standards, as well. Next year marks the completion of a phase-in period when all passenger vehicles -- both cars and light trucks, gasoline or diesel powered -- must meet the same stringent emissions standards, technically known as Tier 2 regulations. The rules put strict limits on smog-forming or otherwise toxic emissions, including carbon monoxide, non-methane organic gases, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter.

Particulate matter, or soot, has been a special concern with diesels, since fine particulates have been linked to lung disease. The Tier 2 standards reduce allowable particulate matter emissions to zero.

The other emissions hurdle that diesels have had to overcome to make the grade here is on oxides of nitrogen, or NOx emissions. NOx is one of the smog-forming pollutants. Engines that run lean, meaning they run using lots of air and relatively little fuel, tend to create lots of NOx just as a result of combusting the oxygen portion of atmospheric air and the chemical reaction that creates. Part of the Bluetec system jointly developed and used by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Chrysler, and Volkswagen/Audi have a special method for dealing with NOx emissions.

Some vehicles will use a urea-injection system that combines with catalytic action to filter out NOx, while others, such as the Jetta, use a soot and NOx trap that is periodically flushed by running the engine a little rich and catalytically burning the accumulated soot.

This technology enables the smooth, powerful diesel powertrains like those sampled at the test track. But could diesels go even further to improve vehicle fuel economy? I’ll explore that in my next blog.

—Gordon Hard

Car, pickup truck, SUV, and tire recalls

Recently, there have been several recalls worth noting from Audi, Bridgestone Firestone, General Motors, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz. But first, a major one from Ford:

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury – Nearly five million unrepaired vehicles could pose serious fire hazard

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of certain Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and passenger cars to take their vehicles to a local dealership immediately for a corrective repair. The vehicles contain a defective cruise control switch that could lead to a fire at any time, even while the vehicle is turned-off, parked and unattended. Repair parts are readily available.

NHTSA remains concerned that many owners have yet to respond to multiple safety defect recall notifications from Ford. Of the 12 million vehicles involved in the recall, nearly five million have not yet been brought to Ford for repair.

The involved vehicles are:

1993–2004 Ford F-150
1993–1999 Ford F-250 (gasoline engine)
1993–1996 Ford Bronco
1994–1996 Ford Econoline
1997–2002 Ford Expedition
1998–2002 Lincoln Navigator
1998–2002 Ford Ranger
1992–1998 Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Grand Marquis
1993–1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993–1995 Ford Taurus SHO with automatic transmission
1994 Mercury Capri
1998–2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
2001–2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac
1992–1993 and 1997–2003 Ford E-150-350 gasoline or natural-gas vehicles
2002 Ford E-550 gasoline engine vehicles
1996–2003 Ford E-450 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
1994–2002 Ford F-250 through F-550 Super Duty trucks (gasoline engine)
2000–2002 Ford Excursion (gasoline engine)
2003 F-250 – F-550 Super Duty, Ford Excursion
1995–2002 Ford F53 Motor home chassis
2002–2003 Lincoln Blackwood

Consumers with questions should contact their local Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer, or call 1-888-222-2751. Additional information is available at Ford.com.

Audi is recalling nearly 14,000 A8 vehicles equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may slide out of position over time, allowing the shifter to be moved out of the "Park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock. This could allow the vehicle to roll, risking a crash. Dealers will make the necessary modifications to secure the locking cable in place. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Bridgestone bias-ply motorcycle and scooter tires

Bridgestone Firestone (BFNT) is recalling over 4,000 Bridgestone bias-ply motorcycle and scooter tires that fail to conform to the labeling requirements of a federal safety standard. BFNT will notify owners and replace the noncompliant tires free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact BFNT at 1-615-937-3442.

2006-2008 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and Hummer H2; 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Saturn Outlook; 2008 Buick Enclave – heated wiper washer fluid system

GM is recalling over 850,000 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Saturn vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system that could overheat. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. GM has yet to announce when owners will be notified. In the meantime, owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608- 8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Saturn at 1-800-972-8876; GMC at 1-866-996-9436; or Hummer at 1-800- 732-5493; or MyGMLink.

2008 Buick Enclave and 2007-2008 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook – windshield wipers

GM is recalling over 88,000 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook vehicles currently or previously registered in the following states: AK, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WV, WI, WY and DC. Snow and ice buildup on the windshield or wipers could cause the wipers to become inoperative. Dealers will install a new wiper mechanisms. The recall is expected to begin during October. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or at MyGMLink.

2008 Hyundai Elantra – fuel pump

Hyundai is recalling 65,000 Elantra vehicles with 2.0-liter “beta” engines. The fuel pump motor may produce less pressure than required to supply the fuel-injection system. Dealers will replace the fuel pump subassembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

2009 Jaguar XF – rear safety belt

Jaguar is recalling nearly 8,000 XF vehicles due to a problem with the rear safety belt. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury. Dealers will correct the condition. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

2007-2008 Mazda6 – fuel tanks

Mazda is recalling 7,200 Mazda6 vehicles with California emission specifications. The metal fuel tanks on the affected vehicles may have been damaged during the assembly process, which could lead to a fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the fuel tank, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, Option 2.

2001-2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (Model 215), 2002-2006 S-Class (Model 220)
2003-2007 SL-Class (Model 230), 2007-2008 CL-Class (Model 216), 2007 S-Class (Model 221) – acceleration sensors

Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 4,500 CL-Class, S-Class and SL-Class vehicles equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) acceleration sensors on the front struts. The ABC sensors may have been installed improperly, which can adversely influence the vehicle's directional stability and could lead to a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front ABC sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

—Desiree Calamari

Car, SUV, and tire recalls

There have been a few significant recalls announced in the past few weeks affecting Dodge, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, plus a Toyota safety enhancement and a recall on tire valve stems. If your vehicle is listed here, you will be contacted by the manufacturer with the information on what you need to do or we provide a number to contact yourself. However, the valve stem recall requires action on the owner’s part.

2009 Dodge Journey

Chrysler is recalling almost 6,700 Dodge Journey SUVs equipped with a 3.5-liter engine due to a problem with the engine wiring harness that could contact the left transaxle mount and cause an engine fire.

Dealers will inspect the engine wiring harness for damage and repair to secure the harness away from the left transaxle mount.

Chrysler has yet to announce when owners will be notified. In the meantime, owners can call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2005-2006 Land Rover LR3 and Range Rover Sport

Land Rover is recalling over 37,000 LR3 and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The relative motion between the steering wheel hub and/or steering column cowl with the clockspring, which contains air bag circuitry, could cause a fracture in the driver-side air bag wiring connection. The SRS warning light will illuminate to alert the driver that a repair is necessary, but if a driver ignores the light and gets into a crash, the air bag may not deploy properly.

Dealers will make the necessary repairs to fix the alignment. The recall is expected to begin around July 21st. Owners may contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.

2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz GL & ML class

Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 52,000 GL and ML class vehicles equipped with the Flex-N-Gate trailer hitch. Some of the seams connecting the hitch to the attachment bar used to connect it to the body frame do not meet specifications and may result in the hitch separating from the attachment bar.

Dealers will repair the trailer hitch and owners are urged not to use the hitch until it is repaired. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

2008 Volkswagen Passat & 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen is recalling over 4,000 Volkswagen Passat and 2,500 Tiguan vehicles equipped with 2.0T FSI ULEV II engines. The problem occurs when the engine is in idle and the air conditioning is turned on, the software may not control engine idle. As a result, the engine could surge unexpectedly.

Dealers will inspect and update the engine control module that contains the software, free of charge.

The recall began at the end of May. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

2004-2006 Toyota Sienna

Toyota is conducting a safety improvement campaign on over 196,000 Toyota Sienna minivans equipped with power rear liftgate struts. The gas struts used to help lift the rear power liftgate could wear out earlier than expected and could eventually cause the liftgate to fall a few inches or completely close.

Dealers will replace the gas struts with new ones that have a longer life. Owners can contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.

Tech International tire valve stems

Tech International is recalling 6 million snap-in valve stems manufactured between July and November 2006. The rubber portion of the stem could crack and cause a loss of tire pressure, potentially leading to a crash.

Tech International will replace the valve systems and the tire if necessary. Owners may contact Tech International at 1-740-967-9015.

For more information about this recall, read the Safety blog’s report: "Warning issued on faulty tire valve stems following rollover death."

—Liza Barth

Behind the wheel: fuel-cell vehicles

We recently had the chance to drive some fuel-cell vehicles that aren’t for sale to the general public, giving us a behind-the-wheel view of the possible future. Many of these research vehicles  impressed us and show the promise, and appeal, of electrically powered cars, in this case through fuel-cell technology.

A potential alternative to gasoline-engine-powered cars, these electric vehicles produce their energy on board via a chemical reaction in a fuel-cell stack. Hydrogen is consumed in the process, with water as the only tailpipe emission.

In spring 2007, we drove the impressive Honda FCX sedan. It has since been renamed the FCX Clarity, and was shown at the Detroit auto show. Since then, we drove a hydrogen-powered BMW 7 Series, which is propelled by an internal combustion engine rather than an electric motor.

This past fall, we hosted an unusual guest here at our track in Connecticut. For a few hours, we got to experience the Chevrolet Equinox FC fuel-cell vehicle. It looked like a regular Equinox, except for the slightly raised floor that was concealing three hydrogen tanks and a symbol of a blue water drop on the shifter. The tanks hold 4.2 kilograms of compressed hydrogen at 10,000 psi. The claimed range is 200 miles. That translates to about 48 mpg in terms of gallon-of-gas-equivalent (gge) consumption. (One kg of compressed hydrogen is about equal to one gallon of gasoline in terms of energy density.) With the electric propulsion, the Equinox FC was much quieter than a regular Equinox V6. There was a noticeable, but unobjectionable, whine when accelerating on a highway ramp and the vehicle felt responsive. The car kept making all sort of whirrs and fan noises after we parked it and left a small puddle of water under its tailpipe.

Late last year, at the EVS23 (Electric Vehicle Symposium) in Anaheim, CA, I drove several electric vehicles. Also on hand, were several other fuel-cell vehicles.  I sampled them on a short driving loop and some of them were quite impressive:

Nissan X-Trail: The X-Trail is a small SUV that was never offered for sale in the United States. This fuel-cell version had a tank of compressed hydrogen at 10,000 psi and a relatively long claimed range of 300 miles. The tank holds about four kilograms of compressed hydrogen, which translates to 75 miles-per-gallon-of-gas-equivalent (mpgge). The X-Trail was quiet and refined. From a standstill, it launched decisively and kept accelerating smoothly. It handled and rode soundly. All that was happening underneath was rather transparent without intruding into the cabin. The car was free of strange and unpleasant noises.

Toyota Highlander FCHV: Based on the previous-generation Highlander, this fuel-cell vehicle is able to propel itself only on battery power, without drawing directly on energy from the fuel-cell stack and depleting the hydrogen. That’s the reason for the H (for hybrid) in the FCHV name. It has a claimed range of 350 miles, and Toyota says it can sprint from 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds. The compressed hydrogen is stored in two tanks under the floor at 10,000 psi. With a little more than four kilograms of compressed hydrogen, it would consume 88 mpgge. It drove like a Highlander hybrid, which is quite slick with a comfortable, quiet ride and smooth acceleration; The hum of the traditional V6 engine was conspicuously absent.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class: The A-Class is the smallest Mercedes (not counting the Smart-branded products) and was never offered in the United States. The company boasts that through its fleet of 60 A-Class fuel-cell vehicles, it covered over four million test miles in four years. The A-Class stores 1.8 kilograms of compressed hydrogen in two tanks at 5,000 psi. It has a claimed 100-mile range, which translates to about 55 mpgge. The design of the A-Class fuel-cell research vehicle dates back to 2002. From behind the wheel, it  felt rather slow and noisy. The stiff ride was probably inherent to the A-Class. The slow acceleration and noisy whirs and swooshes, however, were attributable to the fuel-cell conversion. Mercedes is now in the midst of phasing its fuel-cell efforts into the larger B-Class. (Read the B-Class first look. Our B-Class road test is available to online subscribers.) The B200 we tested is sold in Canada but not in the United States.

Hyundai Tucson: The Tuscon fuel-cell vehicle has three tanks of compressed hydrogen at 5,000 psi and it holds 3.5 kilograms of the gas. This small SUV has a claimed range of 190 miles, which translates to 54 mpgge. Kia also featured the same technology in the essentially identical Sportage. The Tucson didn’t feel as slick as the Nissan or Toyota but better than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It drove pretty much like a regular Tucson, which is pleasant enough. Acceleration wasn’t quite robust and the vehicle was considerably noisier that a regular Tucson.   

Bottom line
In the effort to wean us off petroleum and slow global warming, at this point, it is safe to say that in the long-term future we will see vehicles powered by either hydrogen or electricity (or some combination of both). Automakers are reluctant to put all their technology eggs in one basket and are developing more hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which are likely to proliferate in the short-term. For now, electric vehicle development is mostly relegated to the aftermarket or specialized manufacturers.

Before these cars of tomorrow reach consumers, there are several obstacles to each technology as they race to go mainstream. For example, hydrogen lacks storage and delivery infrastructures; the fuel stacks (which use expensive platinum) are costly and may not last as long as gasoline engines; and the public remains skeptical. Further, batteries for plug-in hybrids or electric cars are still too expensive, and effective thermal control strategies have not been verified.

At this year’s Detroit Auto Show, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said he expects fuel cells to be the long-term solution, while plug-in hybrids will fill the gap in the medium term. Some electric-car advocates and environmentalists, however, have suggested that fuel cells are just a distraction from development of battery electric vehicles.

It’s too early to tell who is right. But we’d like to hear your opinion on fuel-cell and electric cars. Let us know what you think by posting your thoughts in the Comments section below.

—Gabe Shenhar

Learn more about fuel cells and alternative fuels in our fuel economy special section.

Detroit - Small lux SUVs, the next big thing?

The question of "What's the next big thing?" often hovers at every auto show and is the topic of every chat during press days. After attending endless press conferences and walking the floor until my feet ached in Detroit, I came away with this: upscale SUVs are getting smaller. The new ones certainly gave me a "Honey, I shrunk the SUV" impression.

Small SUVs are not a new thing. In fact, it's a category that's now quite saturated in the $20,000 to $30,000 price bracket - playgrounds of the successful Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. But not just "affordable models, but also compact, sporty, upscale versions, such as the BMW X3 and to some extent the Land Rover LR2. Now, an entire wave of these versatile lux-boxes is coming. The Acura RDX arrived in 2006 and the Infiniti EX35 is just hitting the streets. In Detroit, the Cadillac Provoq, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and Saab 9-4X were shown in concept form, and provided the decor for the obligatory token green power of hydrogen, diesel, or ethanol powertrain. Tucked in a corner, was a production version of the Volkswagen Tiguan. The list grows with the imminent Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60. (The latter will be unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March.)

Some say that this is too small a niche, but with the current aura of guilt surrounding SUVs, this move makes a lot of sense. I don't know anyone who has owned an SUV in the last decade who wants to give up the versatility, raised stance, and AWD in their next vehicle. But virtually all of these owners are eager to get better fuel economy and a more manageable SUV that is easier to park and more maneuverable. I'm also hearing a lot of owners asking that their next vehicles have high levels of luxury amenities and sporty on-road dynamics. Models in this emerging sub-category might fulfill these demands.

This year's Detroit auto show theme was in stark contrast to years past, where bigger was most certainly better. But now, instead of high-horsepower V8s, big performance and size, there was more greenness and downsizing in the air. The "next big thing" seems to actually be downsizing, which might be the right thing for many consumers.

—Gabe Shenhar

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Detroit auto show. And discuss the event in our auto show forum.