Why no diesels on the Ranger? (in the USA)

[CrimsonEclipse]

On a recent visit to New Zealand, I saw their equivalent of the Ranger (forgot their name for it) with a diesel engine! They were everywhere!

Is it a popular (or possible) conversion?

CE

 

[alaskan155]

the problem is getting the motor over here

 

[JohnnyO]

It is difficult for small diesels to pass U.S. emissions regs. Standards are looser for heavy trucks.

 

[MAKG]

On a recent visit to New Zealand, I saw their equivalent of the Ranger (forgot their name for it) with a diesel engine! They were everywhere!

Is it a popular (or possible) conversion?

CE

There are quite a lot of weird vehicles in NZ.

Didja notice all the Jeep Cherokees clogging Wellington? They don't look at all like US Cherokees (which have been out of production for years).

I drove around North Island in a fugly Toyota Starlet. Aside from the colors and the weirdness shifting on the left, it was fine for its purpose. It's smaller than anything in the US (even a Geo Metro).

 

[LearjetMinako]

Blame the EPA and US Government for not allowing a diesel in a small pickup or car. Volkswagon had the golf for awhile, then the new 2008 EPA regs came out and VW stopped selling the TDI engine. Imagine, a compact 1.9L TDI 4-door hatchback got 40-48mpg. 100HP, 190lb-fts (about) of torque, plenty of power and was fun to drive.

 

[exbass94]

This is why we'll never get a diesel Ranger in the US.

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

bummer.

I still like the idea.

CE