I had inquired as to the lack of diesel engine choices. It has to do with the new regs for diesel emissions that are going to be in effect as of next year (03). MB could not justify the cost of certifying an engine that they would only be able to sell for two years here before having to pull it. Due to the comparatively abysmal fuel quality here (high sulphur compared to Europe), the sulphur content of our fuel will destroy the emissions equipment. Untill the ultra low sulphur fuel regs go into effect in '06, we are pretty much SOL.

I'm not sure of what VW's intentions are going to be as of the '03 model year, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the TDI removed from the list, or be VERY hard to get.