This doesn't appear to be the best time to introduce new diesels to the U.S. market due to the high cost of fuel. Even with the mpg advantage of diesel, it still would cost more than a gas engine.

Ah, but that beautiful torque curve and no loss of power at 1600m above sea level remains tempting, especially if you tow. (BTW, diesels remain too expensive for me too.)

I wonder if we'll get it soon here?

I know what you mean when driving at high altitudes. I had three turbo diesels and would keep accelerating on long grades, leaving gasoline powered cars clackeding behind. I had a Mitsubishi TD, a Peugeot TD and a Ford 350 TD. They were my favorites of the 40+ cars/trucks I've owned.

Tow? With that?

Auto makers need to be more forward thinking than just considering the cost of diesel today. I'm guessing Mazda believes the cost of gas and diesel will converge to a point where the mileage benefit makes sense. Then they will already be positioned in the market. If they wait until the convergence happens, they will be (even further) behind the European makers of diesel cars.

Interesting. 184 Hp and 185 Ft/lb of torque. My old school math says that little engine has to hit both at the same time at around 5250+ RPM!

Personally I would put a strait pipe exhaust on the little bugger if its a diesel getting wound up that high!

Diesels will never have a strong foothold in the U.S. People just don't like them. Whenever there has been a gasoline shortage or when the prices went up, the public would switch to diesel cars, but as soon as the gas prices came down, those diesel owners quickly dumped them and went back to gas. The few who like diesels are usually contractors and they are in pick-up trucks.

Ask anyone why they don't like diesels, and the answers are usually; too noisy, no acceleration, puts out black smoke. Some people seem to mind and others don't. I belong to the latter. I guess it's the latent trucker in us that likes diesels.