In a country such as the U.S. where diesel-car market penetration is still miniscule, Mazda's Skyactiv diesel has two key things working in its favor: First, it's the only affordable diesel offered by an automaker other than Volkswagen. But VW has gained, deservedly or not, a sketchy reliability reputation in the last decade that's proven hard to shake. Potential diesel buyers who are wary of Volkswagen have thus far purchased hybrids simply because there weren't any other options for fuel-sippers. While Mazda hasn't yet earned the PR halo of Toyota or Honda, it consistently receives high marks from independent rating organizations and professional reviewers alike, meaning green-leaning car buyers will now have a diesel option from an automaker without quality baggage.