Volkswagen TDIs are the most highly appreciated diesels in the States, and with good reason. John and Helen Taylor, about whom you may have heard back in 2009 when they achieved a record of 67.9 US mpg (3.4l/100km) in the Jetta TDI, have decided to put the new Passat TDI through its paces (efficiency-wise). With this year’s effort, they have gone one step further and have taken a stock 2012 Passat TDI from Huston, Texas to Sterling in the same state. They have achieved an unheard-of fuel economy rating of 84.1 US mpg (2.8l/100km) and were able to to reach their destination, which was 2,601 km (1,626 miles) away, on a single tank of diesel. This only means one thing. All these eco-gizmos which have eaten up billions of car manufacturer’s money, genuinely do work in the real world and with surprisingly good results. Humanity’s future may not be so bleak after all!