2006 was a record-breaking year for Mazda in Europe. The company sold more than 300,000 vehicles there last year, its best sales figure in 15 years.

Much of the growth was fueled by the new availability of a turbodiesel option on the popular Mazda5 compact minivan. Over the past decade, diesels have become an almost mandatory option on vehicles in European markets, comprising up to half of all new vehicle sales in some markets.

Diesel Power's Take: We like the clever packaging and sporty styling of the Mazda5, but are a little underwhelmed by its relatively low-torque four-cylinder engine. But factor in 265 lb.-ft. of torque and well over 30 miles per gallon, and we could forsee the turbodiesel option being a hit stateside as well.