Due to dieselgate, there was a peak in diesel car efficiency around 2006. Post 2006 diesels get less fuel efficiency, because they had to tweak the engines to lower the combustion temperature to reduce NOX emissions. (which also reduces efficiency).

20 years ago was kind of a sweet spot for diesel automobile fuel efficiency. Emissions were terrible though. Then they tried to clean up the tail pipe emissions and lost most of the efficiency gains.

Yep, although they're becoming better again. Not that I'm a diesel apologist, I hate it, but I guess we're used to smaller and more efficient cars in Europe (even with the SUV craze)

This has the 2011 Honda Fit pegged at between 29-31 mpg.

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform...

The European one has a different engine, it's the 1.5i-VTEC, certified at 4.7l/100km in highway and 5.4 mixed.

> Xsara Picasso does around 60MPG

3.9l/100km in a Xsara, really?

Ouch. When calculating I think I did UK MPGs instead of US. It does less than 5l/100, and I think it's certified at 4.4.