In the United States, Volkswagen has earned a reputation for sustaining its diesel technology program as other automakers have casually flirted with oil burners. With the introduction of the Touareg Hybrid SUV, and the forthcoming 2011 Jetta hybrid, is Volkswagen ultimately pushing potential buyers away from diesels?

Several days ago, we asked you whether it was right for Honda to abandon diesel technology to focus exclusively on hybrids. While commenter loasdrums wrote that “diesels are a hard sell for Americans,” Volkswagen has been a diesel pioneer in America since the first TDI-equipped models nearly 30 years ago. During our year in a Volkswagen Jetta TDI, we had no complaints, and seeing an average of 37 mpg wasn’t so bad, either.

Will a VW Jetta hybrid ultimately steal the thunder from a comparably equipped TDI model? Or will a hybrid just add another flavor to the menu of Jettas?

Today’s Snap Judgment:
Jetta Hybrid or Jetta TDI?

What do you think? Let us know in the comments section.

Recently, we learned that Honda has dropped plans to advance clean diesel technology, and will instead focus its efforts on producing hybrids and increasing fuel efficiency.

Honda’s announcement comes at a time when many manufacturers are flip-flopping on their decisions to offer alternatives to traditional, gas-powered vehicles. In the short term, this might mean an end to colorful TV ads. In the long term, though, will it hurt Honda’s ability to compete?

We’ve seen automakers change their mind before. Diesel pioneers Volkswagen and Audi wavered on the adoption of hybrid technology, but recently introduced hybrid SUVs and luxury cars, and electric supercars. We were rooting for Honda to introduce the European Accord diesel in the Acura TSX, but the latest news might mean that’s not likely. And Suzuki has even put plans for a Kizashi hybrid or V-6 on hold.

Today’s Snap Judgment:
Is it a good idea for Honda to abandon diesel technology and focus on hybrids?

Let us know what you think in the comments section.

Source: Reuters