How come a lack of laws in the US, as compared to Europe, means the 130BHP version can't be sold there? Surely "Dude, I just got 40 more horsepower" is about as American a car-buying sentiment as one could wish for? Is the grade of diesel different or something?


I'm not sure about the technical details, but my memory wants to say that it's something to do with the sulphur content being lower in the clean diesels. Maybe it clogs the injectors, or exhaust ports or something.
Ironically, a lot of the more populous and emissions-friendly states *do* have the clean diesel, since they have enacted state laws. (eg California, Massachussets). The problem is that VW can't sell a car that'll break down as soon as it gets to a rural state. The rural states won't enact such laws themselves, since most of their constituents rely on diesel for agricultural purposes and don't want to bear any additional costs.