The Volkswagen diesel scandal has had wide-ranging impacts globally, and specific local effects in the U.S. No VW Group brand will sell diesel vehicles in North America again any time soon, and most likely ever鈥攎eaning Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche. But the questions around diesel vehicles have spilled over to other makers as well. Last March, before the worst of the diesel scandal had hit, Audi said it would pull its planned A4 TDI diesel sedan from the lineup even before it was released. Now Mercedes-Benz is following suit with its planned C300d 4Matic sedan, which won't be sold in the U.S. The news comes via Car and Driver, which noted that the German luxury maker says the decision had nothing to do with any concerns over whether the diesel C-Class would pass emission tests. Instead, because "the process of certifying new diesels in the United States has become more difficult and time-intensive," the company's plans to expand its diesel lineup has been disrupted.

The Volkswagen diesel scandal has had wide-ranging impacts globally, and specific local effects in the U.S. No VW Group brand will sell diesel vehicles in North America again any time soon, and most likely ever鈥攎eaning Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche. But the questions around diesel vehicles have spilled over to other makers as well. Last March, before the worst of the diesel scandal had hit, Audi said it would pull its planned A4 TDI diesel sedan from the lineup even before it was released. Now Mercedes-Benz is following suit with its planned C300d 4Matic sedan, which won't be sold in the U.S. The news comes via Car and Driver, which noted that the German luxury maker says the decision had nothing to do with any concerns over whether the diesel C-Class would pass emission tests. Instead, because "the process of certifying new diesels in the United States has become more difficult and time-intensive," the company's plans to expand its diesel lineup has been disrupted.

It is now focusing its resources on getting its GLS350d diesel version of its large seven-seat luxury SUV certified instead. That's a much thirstier vehicle in which the higher ratings from a diesel powertrain will help the company meet rising corporate average fuel-economy rules. Diesel powertrains are widely expected to remain in both pickup trucks and larger SUVs, but the number of makers offering them in passenger cars is dwindling. With the withdrawal of the planned C-Class diesel, and no more diesel cars from Audi or Volkswagen, in fact, only three brands are left with plans to offer diesel cars. They are BMW, Chevrolet, and Jaguar. And as noted at the start of the week by industry trade journal Automotive News, the only diesels you can presently buy in 2017 model-year cars come from Jaguar. BMW is still certifying its small group of diesel vehicles, which include models of the 3-Series sport sedan and wagon, and its X3 and X5 crossover utilities. Those cars will go on sale in December and January. Chevy hasn't yet launched its Cruze Diesel sedan and hatchback, which should arrive next spring as 2018 models. But Jaguar now has diesel versions of its 2017 XE compact sport sedan and 2017 F-Pace crossover utility vehicle at dealerships and available for purchase. Certification of 2017 diesel versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups, and the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel model, are now underway. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz will launch its C350e plug-in hybrid by the end of this year. The global launch event for that vehicle was held in San Francisco 18 months ago, but Brian Cotter of Mercedes-Benz USA confirmed that the car will arrive in the U.S. The plug-in hybrid C-Class sedan will join two other plug-in hybrids in the company's U.S. All three will be sold by participating dealers throughout the 50 states.

Elsewhere in the lineup, all EcoBoost engines now come standard with engine stop-start. Cool Fact: The Raptor is 6 inches wider than conventional F-150s. Sum Up: The best-selling vehicle in the U.S. Unchanged: The Explorer鈥檚 forgotten, bigger sibling is back for 2017. The anti-minivan three-row crossover returns with its distinctive, boxy styling and choice of two V-6s. Although the Flex lacks a full suite of active safety tech like some competitors, it actually outperforms the Explorer on the IIHS鈥?small overlap front test. Look For: Glass panels everywhere! The Flex鈥檚 available multipanel Vista Roof includes a moonroof in the front, two panels for the second row, and another one for the third row. Sum Up: We鈥檙e hoping this cool crossover has a future. All-New: The redesigned F-Series Super Duty gets an aluminum body and a fully boxed frame that鈥檚 said to be up to 24 times stiffer than the previous one. LED headlights are available, and all three cabs are longer. Adaptive variable-ratio steering is available, as are seven cameras: three for a Trailer Reverse Guidance system, one inside the cargo box, one in front of the truck, and the last one for lane departure warning.

Look For: The remote-operated tailgate lock and release feature to be offered on an increasing number of trucks. Sum Up: Updated styling and cool tech on Ford鈥檚 heavy-duty trucks. Minor: The Transit lineup expands for 2017 with 64 configurations, up from 58 last year. An available walk-through center console allows easier access from the front to the rear of the van and facilitates installing computer equipment, too. The base sound system now has four speakers with a tweeter and woofer, up from just two last year. The 3.7-liter V-6 is now standard on dual-rear-wheel van and wagon models. Sum Up: Ford鈥檚 large, modern commercial van gets even more options. Unchanged: The Transit Connect gets Sync 3, Ford鈥檚 latest infotainment system, as standard on the Titanium-trim wagon and an available option on the XLT cargo and wagon models. Helpfully, XLT and Titanium standard features include reverse sensing, automatic headlights, roof rails, and a six-way power driver鈥檚 seat. In wagon form, the Transit Connect can seat up to seven.

Cool Fact: A long-wheelbase model has a wheelbase 15.8 inches longer but also bumps up the curb-to-curb turning radius from 36.1 to 40.0 feet. Sum Up: Ford lacks a regular minivan, but its compact commercial van is the class鈥?best-seller. All-New: Now as much as 700 pounds lighter, the reimagined Acadia makes its debut with a 194-hp, 2.5-liter I-4 as the new base engine. A 310-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 is still available, as is a third row. At 7.2 inches shorter than before, the Acadia will fit easier into garages, though at the expense of overall cargo space. About 30 percent of all buyers go for the top-of-the-line Denali trim. The last-gen model continues as the Acadia Limited. Cool Fact: The Acadia can alert the driver when something has been left in the second- or third-row seats. Sum Up: GMC鈥檚 three-row crossover is nimble, smaller, and more efficient than before. Minor: When you鈥檇 rather have a loaded midsize truck than a moderately equipped half-ton, consider the Canyon鈥檚 new Denali trim. Look For: The Chevrolet Colorado if the GMC鈥檚 boxier styling and brand cachet don鈥檛 sway you. Sum Up: Loyal GMC buyers will be thrilled by the new Denali model.