The Europeans will get a new Volkswagen Polo in 2007 with fewer CO2 emissions than a Toyota Prius.
VW claims the Polo BuleMotion is the most economical five-seater in Europe, emitting 102g/km – 2g/km less than Toyota's electric-hybrid and squeezing 72.4 miles out of a gallon of diesel.
I don't see any statistics on other pollutants although it has a diesel particulate filter to help pump out cleaner exhaust fumes and exhaust gas recirculation, which ultimately reduces nitrous oxide emissions.. A gasoline hybrid (particularly a plug-in) is capable of zero emissions at the point of use, which may be more valuable in an urban area.
Better aerodynamics and taller gear ratios are some of the tricks VW is using to get mileage in the 70s
The Europeans, lovin their diesels, haven't fallen in love with the gasoline-electric hybrid like here in the states, so it should sell well there.
Volkswagen says its first gasoline-electric hybrid will probably be a 2009 Jetta.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/CARS/news/33272.html
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