Audi will continue it’s push for clean diesel with the introduction of the A3 TDI, a handsome little car that offers a healthy dose of utility. It has both power (236 lb-ft of tourque) and fuel efficiency. The A3 TDI averaged over 50 mpg crossing the country during Audi’s Mileage Marathon, but will likely find numbers around 40 mpg in all-around driving. The interior has a sophisticated look with Audi’s high quality materials and modern lines and the firm suspension allows for quick turns and a highly responsive feel. This sportback’s cargo room is plentiful (it boasts 19.5 cubic feet of storage), especially with the rear seats folded down. Overall, the Audi A3 TDI is a clean, performance-driven car with style and practicality. Priced around $30,000, it will be a welcome edition to the American diesel landscape when it arrives late this year.

The VW Up! concept is a small, pure, and high-spirited VW that pays tribute to it's environment. This 3 door hatchback is capable of transporting four adults, thanks to the space created by pushing each of the four wheels as far into the corners as possible. Although designed to be powered by VW's new high temperature fuel cell and lithium-ion battery system, more immediate production versions could feature a 3 cylinder turbocharged gasoline or diesel engine. The vehicle would still have a top speed of 75 mph while maintaining fuel economy near 80 mpg. Because the engine is in the rear, a whole host of interior and exterior design elements are possible.  These include a front trunk and a clever "deflateable interior"  where seats can be adjusted to mold to an individuals body or completely deflated to increase cargo room. The 11 ft. long "Up!" will have the roomiest cabin in its class. U.S.arrival will hopefully be in the near future.