2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Old diesel automobiles had a rep for being noisy, smelly and slow. None of that applies to the technologically advanced Jetta TDI. Its clean diesel engine runs on ultra-low sulfur diesel, and it's legal in all fifty states. The stereotypical engine knock of older diesel engines is barely noticeable, and the "t" in TDI stands for turbocharged, making the Jetta TDI much more fun to drive than its plodding ancestors. Don't tell your passenger your new VW is a diesel, and they'll never be the wiser, until -- thanks to an EPA highway rating of 40 miles per gallon -- you go 600 miles on one tank of gas.

The comfortable cockpit of our test vehicle had a sophisticated beige-and-black color scheme, leather-wrapped steering wheel, optional sunroof ($1,000) and nav ($1,990) and power everything. Our slick black TDI came decked out in 17-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips and a rear spoiler, and the racy side sills and low-slung aerodynamic nose bespeak a car that's as much about performance as saving at the pump. Our TDI came with VW's smooth 6-speed DSG automatic transmission with tiptronic (an $1,100 option), and we didn't miss manual shifting one bit. The torquey 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers plenty of thrills off the line (but no torque steer) and the stiff suspension holds up great in sporty driving. Forget about lethargic eco-box hybrids: the TDI makes it clear you can go green and go fast.