Audi A3 TDI

Audi A3 TDI

Diesel vehicles are starting to grow in popularity. Diesels offer up to 30% better mileage than comparable gas engines. But they were dismissed as smoky and noisy until the new generation of diesels went on sale in 2008. And even then, they had to fight through bias.

The 2010 Audi A3 TDI, seen here at the 2010 Denver auto show, was named Green Car of the Year at the 2009 LA Auto Show.